There’s no doubt that antibiotics saved countless lives after their discovery in the 1920s, and have helped us live longer and healthier lives. But overuse and improper use can also lead to serious side effects. And it can promote the growth of resistant bacteria that can cause disease later on.
All antibiotics are powerful medicines that disrupt a critical function in the bacterial cell. Penicillin, discovered in 1928, works by stopping the cell wall from forming during growth and causing the bacteria to die. Other antibiotics have different ways of attacking bacteria. Some kill only aerobic bacteria, while others attack anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can’t live without oxygen) and some are designed to target specific types of infections.
A number of important new antibiotics are in development. But it’s a long process from identifying an infection to getting a new antibiotic to market. The development of antibiotics depends on a variety of factors, including chemistry, biotechnology, and engineering. And even though we’ve seen great strides in improving antibiotics, more research is needed to ensure the continued effectiveness of these lifesaving drugs.
In the meantime, there are some important things you can do to help keep antibiotics effective and safe. First, always take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed by a health care professional. Taking them less than directed can decrease their efficacy, and can result in increased side effects, such as diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile. Never “borrow” or share antibiotics, as these may not be suitable for you and could contain the wrong medication.
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