Tag: antibiotics

It is also known as antibacterials. They are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. They include a range of powerful drugs and are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first natural antibiotic, in 1928. Penicillin-based antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin G, are still available to treat a variety of infections and have been around for a long time. Like any other drug, it has its side effects. Also, it is worth noting that people should not be self-medicating with any antibiotic without a doctor's prescription (even if antibiotics are usually not granted for purchase without a doctor's prescription/drug recommendation slip). If people overuse antibiotics or use them incorrectly, the bacteria might become resistant. This means that the antibiotic becomes less effective against that type of bacterium, as the bacterium has been able to improve its defenses. Regarding COVID-19, since it is a virus, antibiotics do not directly go and fight the disease. However, with the doctor's advice, people may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible. So, in a way, it works hand-in-hand in fighting the virus by targeting its symptoms.