The use of antibiotics in the treatment of specific disease can cause harm than good especially if it is not used properly. Dispensing correctly can save lives.

Not all infection can be cured by antibiotics especially those that are viral in origin like cold, flu and sore throat. Although antibiotic kills bacteria but some of them became resistant when the medicine was used often even if  it is no longer necessary. Do not expect antibiotics to cure everything as there are limitation.

If the doctor prescribed an antibiotic in number of days, it should be taken without fail. The purpose is to give no chance for the bacteria to re-group and multiply again. If this happened, the bacteria becomes resistant to any medication. In selecting what kind of antibiotic to use, the doctor considered the seriousness of the infection.

How to control or minimize the infection? Observe good hygiene by washing hands before and after taking meals. Cleanliness is the assurance that you cannot easily affected with any infection.  In taking antibiotics follow the direction properly.

In treating a patient, a doctor make the best guess to what kind of bacteria is responsible for the infection. The doctor can now prescribed a kind of antibiotic that is more potent to that specific disease. The effectiveness of the treatment will depend on how well the drug is absorb in the bloodstream, how much the drug reaches the site of infection in the body and how quickly the body eliminate the drugs.

Taking antibiotics only when necessary. Discontinuing treatment too soon may relapse the infection and the succeeding treatment will now very difficult to attain. Resistant bacteria is more a challenge to kill.

Taking improper use of antibiotic may cause allergic reaction (itchy rash). Serious allergic reaction is dangerous and may include the swelling of the throat or the inability to breath. There may be some side effect that include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain, etc. Any signs of allergy should be communicated to your doctor for immediate attention. The doctor know what to do.

The cure of infection or infectious disease depends primarily on the proper choice of the most effective drug. The doctor will prescribe a medicine he knew most effective to your disease. Taking antibiotics you do not need will not feel you better. Cure your illness and keep others from catching your infection. That is the sensible thing you can do to avoid worsening your condition.

Taking vitamins is important in our body’s maintenance of good health. Is it advisable to take vitamins in mega doses?

Many people were taking vitamins in mega dose believing for a quick cure from their minor ailment without thinking it lead to toxicity. Even if the vitamins were organic molecules it should not be taken in excess of what is required. It is more safe if taken under the direction of a prescription.

Taking vitamins has added benefits but in excess lead to vitamin poisoning. Some vitamins was used to reduce the risk of certain heart disease or any type of cancer. Even folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects.

The recorded symptoms in taking mega doses are the following:

Vitamin C  produces headache, tiredness, diarrhea or double vision. It interferes with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins. It causes kidney and gallbladder stones.

Although folic acid prevents anemia but it will damage the nerve of the body and kidney.

Vitamin K may result to anemia.

Vitamin A produces tiredness, vomiting, constipation, severe headache, dry skin or brittle nails.

Vitamin D may cause vomiting, pain in the joints, loss of appetite. There are others who experienced constipation or diarrhea and abdominal cramp.

Vitamin B-12 was used in the treatment of anemia but taking in excess will lead to tiredness or feeling weak.

Vitamin B6 causes difficulty in walking and tingling sensation of the legs. A difficulty in handling something in the hand due to numbness.

Niacin or nicotinic acid causes flushing of the skin, nausea, diarrhea and liver damage. It lowers blood cholesterol if taken in moderate dose.

The only prevention from side effect caused by taking vitamins in mega doses is self-control. Follow doctor’s prescription. Don’t attempt to self-medicate, only doctors can do.