Are The Aquarium Antibiotics The Same Thing
My understanding is that if the pill identifier numbers are the same on the aquarium antibiotics, as on the human antibiotics, and vice versa, they have to be the same thing. This makes 100% sense to me as if you overdosed on one of the antibiotics, you would provide the pill identifier number to Poison Control for example, and they would identify the ingredients based on the pill identifier number regardless of whether they are prescription antibiotics or aquarium antibiotics.
All of the antibiotics above require a prescription from a doctor and usually a doctor will only prescribe a single course of treatment to cure your illness. However, they can all be bought from pet stores without prescription. This means you can stockpile these common antibiotics, in case the SHTF, something which would normally be impossible to achieve.
The bottom line is we should not start going to the pet store when we have a cough or a sore throat, as it is clearly important to get a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor. I think the thing to bear in mind is that in the future, if things go wrong, we will have to improvise many things and many things may be less than ideal. We should be reluctant to take aquarium branded antibiotics today, but having access to some in a SHTF future could be vital.
Whilst we are discussing antibiotics, be sure to read the two articles below, from the BBC. They make scary reading Antibiotic overuse, and resistance is a real and very worrying.
How Will The Online Doctor Diagnose My Infection As Bacterial
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, meaning they are no good for treating viral or fungal infections. The doctor will be able to diagnose your infection as bacterial based on your symptoms, medical history and the length of infection. If they are unable to comfortably diagnose your infection they will write you a lab referral for testing. Once your results are in they will prescribe you an appropriate treatment plan, including antibiotics online if necessary.
When Not To Use Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not the correct choice for all infections. For example, most sore throats, cough and colds, flu, COVID or acute sinusitis are viral in origin and do not need an antibiotic. These viral infections are self-limiting, meaning that your own immune system will usually kick in and fight the virus off.
Using antibiotics for viral infections can increase the risk for antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cannot be fully inhibited or killed by an antibiotic, even though the antibiotic may have worked effectively before the resistance occurred. This can also lower your options for effective treatments if an antibiotic is needed eventually due to a secondary infection. Using unnecessary antibiotics also puts you at risk for side effects and adds extra cost.
It’s important not to share your antibiotic or take medicine that was prescribed for someone else, and don’t save an antibiotic to use the next time you get sick. It may not be the right drug for your illness.
To better understand antibiotics, its best to break them down into common infections, common antibiotics, and the top antibiotic classes as listed in Drugs.com.
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What If My Symptoms Remain After Ive Taken Antibiotics
If symptoms remain significant after the three day course of antibiotics, it is advisable to return to your GP they might do more tests to ensure the diagnosis of UTI is definitely correct, for example, they may send off your urine sample.
Alternatively, they may have initially sent a urine sample and the results may be back within three days. This would allow them to choose a different antibiotic which may work better for the specific bacteria causing that particular infection.
While it isnt always necessary to take a urine sample when you originally visit the doctors with symptoms, this may be requested if you return with worsening symptoms after three days.
Are There Antibiotics You Can Get Over The Counter
Yes, there are antibiotics that you can get over the counter. These can be found at any local drug store or grocery store pharmacy. That said, only certain types of antibiotics, such as topical antibiotics, are available over the counter. Stronger antibiotics, such as oral antibiotics, require a prescription from a doctor.
Antibiotics can be given via different routes in and on the body. There are invasive and less invasive ways to administer antibiotics.
The four types of antibiotic administration routes include:
- Topical
- Oral
- Intravenous
- Intramuscular
Less invasive administration routes of antibiotics include topical routes. Many topical antibiotics are available over the counter. These antibiotics are creams that are spread onto the skin to treat minor scrapes, wounds, acne, and burns.
Topical over-the-counter antibiotics include:
- Strep throat
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What Are The Side Effects Of Antibiotics
Each antibiotic will have different side effects. Generally the most common side effect of antibiotics is an upset stomach. Many antibiotics are recommended to be taken with food to avoid this. Certain antibiotics may make you tired. Ask your doctor about the side effects of your prescription and how to best avoid them.
Theres Seeping From A Wound
If youve been injured, youll want to keep an eye on the wound as it heals. While redness and swelling are expected for a couple of days, this should disappear on its own. Its just the body healing itself and the immune system kicking in. However, there are times that bacteria get into the wound and start to multiply.
Prolonged redness, swelling, and pain are all signs that the wound has become infected with bacteria. You will then start to see some seeping from the wound. This seeping can start fluid and light but turns yellow and green. Some blood can appear depending on the wound. If left, the seeping will get worse and grow darker and more serious.
The only way to treat bacterial skin infections is through antibiotics. You will need to speak to your doctor as soon as possible, especially if youve been injured deeply or youve been through surgery. Most surgery will require days in the hospital afterward, where your health care team can test your body temperature, listen to your symptoms and check on the healing areas to make sure its clear.
A bacterial infection will also prevent the wound from healing fully. It becomes extremely painful to just touch with even clothing over time. It will also feel hot as the infection grows and you can start to gain a fever with no other cold and flu symptoms.
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Personal Stories About Taking Antibiotics For Sore Throat
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I was sick a lot as a kid, and I was always taking medicine. Maybe it helped at the time. But in the past few years, when I’ve gotten a bad sore throat or sinus infection, antibiotics haven’t worked. I’ve had to try two or three different ones each time. That gets expensive. The next time I get a sore throat, I’m going to try just staying home, resting, and taking care of myself instead of taking antibiotics.
Jesse, 34
My 8-year-old daughter got strep throat last month. I thought it was just a cold, and I kept her home from school for a few days. But she wasn’t getting better and she felt so miserable. I was also worried about ear infections. She gets a lot of those too. The doctor did a strep test and suggested she take antibiotics. Amy started feeling better a few days later. I think antibiotics were the right way to go this time.
My insurance doesn’t pay for all of my medicines, so I try to make sure I really need the ones I do take. The last time I had a bad cold, my throat got really sore. The pain made it hard for me to swallow. I called my doctor’s office and the nurse said I could come in if I felt I needed a prescription. I thought I’d wait and see instead. I took ibuprofen and drank a lot of tea and honey, and in a few days I felt better. I’m glad I didn’t spend the money on a doctor visit and medicine.
Esther, 42
Garlic Is A Very Strong Natural Antibiotic
Studies confirmed that garlic is a very strong natural antibiotic that can also add flavor to your meals.
Garlic is used as an alternative to antibiotics because it fights heart disease, cold symptoms, boosts your immune system, and has effective antibacterial properties. Research found that some sulfuric compounds in garlic contribute to heart health, but the main medical component in garlic is allicin, a chemical that also contributes to its trademark smell.
Use The most popular way to use garlic is by adding it to your dishes, eating it raw or in powdered form. There are also garlic oils, extracts, and freeze-dried tablets. Find more information in my articles how to use garlic as a medicine and avoid these 6 common mistakes when using garlic as an antibiotic.
PrecautionsSome people who take too much garlic may experience a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Also garlic might prolong bleeding, so stop taking garlic at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. It can also interfere with certain medications.
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How To Take Antibiotics
Take antibiotics as directed on the packet or the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine, or as instructed by your GP or pharmacist.
Antibiotics can come as:
- tablets, capsules or a liquid that you drink these can be used to treat most types of mild to moderate infections in the body
- creams, lotions, sprays and drops these are often used to treat skin infections and eye or ear infections
- injections these can be given as an injection or through a drip directly into the blood or muscle, and are used for more serious infections
Why Do You Need A Prescription For Oral Antibiotics
- Overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Taking oral antibiotics unnecessarily can cause harm to people and encourage bacteria to mutate into super bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This is why oral antibiotics are prescribed by medical professionals. They are trained to know when it is appropriate and necessary to give antibiotics.
- Different antibiotics treat different bacteria, and you would need to know which bacteria you were treating in order to correctly purchase an antibiotic over the counter. Something best left to people with medical degrees.
- Antibiotics have side effects and may interact with other medications and medical conditions. A medical professional can ensure you are not taking an antibiotic that is dangerous for you. They will also monitor any side effects you may experience to ensure you are not having a negative reaction to the medication.
Read:Everything You Need to Know About Antibiotic Resistance
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When Are Antibiotics Needed
This complicated question, which should be answered by your healthcare provider, depends on the specific diagnosis. For example, there are several types of ear infectionsmost need antibiotics, but some do not. Most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses. One kind, strep throat, diagnosed by a lab test, needs antibiotics.
Common viral infections, like coughs or a cold, can sometimes become complicated and a bacterial infection can develop. However, treating viral infections with antibiotics in order to prevent bacterial infections is not recommended because of the risk of causing bacterial resistance:
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Remember that antibiotics do not work against viral colds and the flu, and that unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful.
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Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotics and find out about the differences between viruses and bacteria, and when antibiotics should and should not be used.
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If your child receives an antibiotic, be sure to give it exactly as prescribed to decrease the development of resistant bacteria. Have your child finish the entire prescription. Don’t stop when the symptoms of infection go away.
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Never save the left over antibiotics to use “just in case.” This practice can also lead to bacterial resistance.
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Do not share your antibiotics with someone else or take an antibiotic that was prescribed for someone else.
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Antibiotic resistance is a problem in both children and adults.
Everything You Need To Know About Taking Antibiotics
Prescription antibiotics have a wide range of uses, from treating sinus infections to keeping cuts clean as they heal. But before you assume they’re the cure for what’s ailing you, study up on these key queries, which we asked a doctor.
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Echinacea Can Fight Off Infections
Native Americans have used echinacea as a way to fight off infections and treat injuries for over 400 years. Medical studies have confirmed that echinacea is an effective alternative to antibiotics.
Studies have revealed its ability to lessen pain, diminish inflammation, act as an antiviral and antioxidant. The glycoproteins, volatile oils, flavonoids, and alkamides in the root all help treat athletes foot, UTIs, ear infections, and injuries that heal slowly.
Use Echinacea is available in tinctures, pills, extracts, and ointments. Its commonly found in capsules and tablets mixed in with other natural health supplements. The root, leaves and flowers can also be steeped into hot tea. See here the recipe for echinacea tea to boost your immune system.
PrecautionsSome supplement companies use misleading labels with products that contain very little echinacea so read carefully the product label. Avoid taking if you have diabetes, HIV, liver troubles or multiple sclerosis. Echinacea can also cause a rare allergic reaction in some people.
People At Risk Of Bacterial Infections
Antibiotics may also be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of infection. This may include:
- people aged over 75 years
- babies less than 72 hours old with a confirmed bacterial infection, or a higher than average risk of developing one
- people with heart failure
- people who have to take insulin to control their diabetes
- people with a weakened immune system either because of an underlying health condition such as HIV infection or as a side effect of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy
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Can You Get Antibiotics For A Uti Without Insurance
You can definitely get antibiotics for a UTI without insurance. Though a prescription is required, insurance is not. And if you dont have insurance, dont worry there are many low-cost or even free options for getting the antibiotics you need.
Many of the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections are available as generics. This means that they are usually less expensive. And GoodRx can also help you keep your medication costs low. These antibiotics for UTIs are under $20 with a pharmacy discount:
In addition, many stores offer $4 generics for select medications, including some antibiotics. Some pharmacy chains like Publix even offer certain antibiotics for free.
Finally, if you are uninsured and finances are a barrier, Dispensary of Hope may be able to match you with a local option for free medications. Some doctors offices and free clinics may also have samples or free medications available for you to take home with you.
What Are Possible Risks Or Side Effects Of Antibiotics
Different antibiotics affect people differently, but side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fungal infections. Many of these effects can be reduced by taking the medicine as directed, such as after a full meal or with a full glass of fluid.
- A small number of people might have a severe allergic reaction to some groups of antibiotics, such as penicillins.
- Always tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic in the past. Describe the reaction and, if you can, tell them the name of that antibiotic.
- Care also needs to be taken if you have liver or kidney problems, you are taking other medicines or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Some antibiotics need to be taken with food.
- Some dont mix well with alcohol, while others affect certain other medicines, such as the anticoagulant warfarin.
Thats why its important to follow the instructions carefully.
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Can You Get Antibiotics Over The Counter
Some antibiotics are available over the counter, but most require a prescription from a doctor. Antibiotics are a class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. They are not used for viral infections. Antibiotics work by attacking and killing bacteria. There are many different types of antibiotics that target different bacterial infections.
Some medications are available over the counter prior to needing antibiotics. For example, the over the counter medication, Azo, is often used to treat urinary tract infection symptoms. Sometimes this medication is enough to keep the infection at bay, but sometimes antibiotics are needed to treat and cure the infection.
Which antibiotics are available over the counter? Let uss take a closer look.
How Is A Uti Normally Treated
A UTI is normally treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics get rid of the bacteria that are causing the infection. Most people with a UTI feel better after just 1 to 2 days of taking antibiotics. And these medications usually help symptoms go away more quickly than over-the-counter medications like Advil or Aleve.
But antibiotics can also have some downsides. They can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. Some people can even have an allergic reaction or other life-threatening complication. Overusing antibiotics may also have serious public health consequences.
With this in mind, many people choose to wait a couple days to see if their UTI gets better without antibiotics especially since many UTIs go away on their own. If your symptoms dont start to improve after 2 to 3 days, you can always think about starting an antibiotic. This could be an especially good plan for people who are at risk for antibiotic-related complications, like older adults.
Of course, there are situations where you shouldnt hold off on antibiotics. It can be dangerous to postpone treatment if you have a severe infection or are in a high-risk group. If youre unsure whether to wait or to start antibiotics right away, talk to a provider about which plan is right for you.
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