Treating infections early and effectively is a concern to all travelers. Antibiotics, introduced in the 1940s, are credited with extending life expectancy by 10 years. There are more than 150 different antibiotics available to us to help fight bacterial infections. Here is some useful background information on this family of medications.

They do not cure all infections Antibiotics are highly effective in curing bacterial infections, but they're essentially useless against viral infections. Even so, some patients with colds or sore throats don't feel their trip to the doctor is complete unless antibiotics are prescribed. Trust your doctor who has been trained to know when an antibiotic is warranted.

Take the entire course When antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed and take them all. Many people stop taking prescriptions once they start feeling better. Doing this may cause a new, harmful, drug-resistant strain to emerge. Because the microorganism is not completely killed, it bounces back with resistance to that medication. For example, emerging today are deadly strains of tuberculosis resistant to almost every antibiotic and mutant strains of streptococcus are becoming resistant to all traditional antibiotics. The emergence of these virulent resistant strains may not have occurred if people had taken their medications as prescribed.

Beware of how drugs mix Tell your doctor all the drugs you're taking (including over-the-counter medication) because antibiotics can interact with other medications. For example, erythromycin inhibits liver enzyme production that's needed to metabolize certain other drugs, such as various blood thinners, tranquilizers, cardiac and cholesterol-lowering drugs and anticonvulsants. Therefore, your doctor may need to monitor your condition more closely when using these medication combinations.

How to take antibiotics Some antibiotics such as tetracyclines are best absorbed when taken before meals (on an empty stomach), while others should be taken after meals to limit gastric irritation. Your doctor can advise you accordingly.

Pregnancy and children Although no antibiotics are known to be completely safe in pregnancy, the penicillin and cephalosporin groups are used most often. Tetracyclines are specifically contraindicated. Furthermore, tetracyclines should not be administered to children less than 8 years of age because of adverse effects on developing teeth and bones.

Recognize side effects Adverse side effects can occur when taking antibiotics. Common side effects include rash, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In women, yeast infections sometimes accompany antibiotics therapy, especially in the tropics. Also, certain people may be allergic to groups of antibiotics such as penicillin. If a side effect occurs, please alert your doctor promptly so that another type of antibiotics can be prescribed.


OTHER GROUPS OF MEDICATIONS COMMONLY USED DURING TRAVEL

In addition to antibiotics, there are several other types of medications commonly used for minor illnesses while traveling.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
This group of medications is most commonly taken to relieve pain and inflammation. In addition, aspirin is also taken to reduce fever. This group of drugs should only be taken as directed. Never exceed the recommended dosage. Except for the newer COX-2 inhibitors (e.g. rofecoxib and celecoxib), these medications should not take be taken on an empty stomach since they can cause nausea and irritation of the stomach lining, leading to gastritis, or worse, an ulcer. Many people are allergic to this group of medications, especially those with a history of asthma. If you are one of these people, it is best to consult with your doctor who can prescribe a pain medication that is not part of this group.

Paracetamol and acetominophen
These medications are commonly used to relieve pain and fever. They are very safe if taken as directed. Unlike aspirin and related medications, this group will not irritate the stomach and allergic reactions are uncommon. However, exceeding the recommended dosage of these medications can sometimes cause liver injury.

Antihistamines and decongestants
These medications are commonly used to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and upper respiratory infections. They are also used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. Antihistamines may cause sedation. Therefore, it is best to avoid driving or using potentially hazardous equipment when taking them. The newer antihistamines such as loratadine do not have this sedating side effect.

Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing swelling and congestion. However, potential side effects include rapid heart rate, palpitations, insomnia and elevation of blood pressure. Therefore, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiac disease should avoid taking them. Furthermore, caution is necessary for those with prostate disease since these drugs may cause bladder distension and difficulty voiding.