Most of us have probably taken antibiotics at some point in our lives.  They are some of the most powerful and widely used drugs in the world, treating everything from Pink Eye to Athlete’s Foot.  Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria in our bodies that is making us sick.  Before antibiotics were discovered, bacterial infections were often life-threatening: coming down with things like Strep Throat, which is easily cured today, was often fatal.  With the discovery of antibiotics, specifically penicillin, in 1929, thousands of lives were saved.  And to think, this great drug was discovered when a scientist accidentally forgot to cover a Petri dish before going on vacation!

Antibiotics certainly have helped millions of people recover from illness over the years.  However, there are certain dangers that are associated with these kinds of drugs.  Sometimes, people may have allergic reactions to certain antibiotics.  But the most common problem that has arisen from the use of antibiotics is the development of antibiotic resistance (also called drug resistance).  When this happens, the bacteria in your body that are making you sick are no longer killed by the antibiotic drugs that you ingest.  Antibiotic resistance has made the discovery of new antibiotics, and the appropriate use of the older ones, a huge issue of concern in the medical community.  Get the facts so you know what you are taking, and how you are supposed to use the prescription next time you have an infection – Knowledge is power!