Antibiotics: Important for Seniors, But Use with Caution

Antibiotics are a vital tool in fighting bacterial infections, and they can be lifesavers for seniors who are more susceptible to illness. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers of antibiotics for this age group.

Here’s a closer look at why caution is necessary:

  • Increased Side Effects: As we age, our bodies process medications differently. Seniors are more likely to experience side effects from antibiotics, such as diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness. FDA States
  • Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria develop defenses against the drugs. This makes it harder to treat infections in the future, not just for seniors but for everyone. CDC States
  • C. Diff Infections: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. NIH States This can lead to a serious infection called Clostridium difficile (C.Diff), which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. CDC States
  • Drug Interactions: Seniors often take multiple medications for various health conditions.expand_more Antibiotics can interact with these medications, causing unintended side effects or reducing their effectiveness. NIH States

When are Antibiotics Necessary for Seniors?

Doctors carefully weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing antibiotics to seniors. Antibiotics are crucial for treating confirmed bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and some skin infections.

Tips for Seniors Taking Antibiotics

  • Only take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Never take leftover antibiotics or share them with others.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
  • Ask your doctor about the expected duration of treatment. Don’t stop taking your antibiotics early, even if you start to feel better.
  • Report any side effects to your doctor promptly.
  • Maintain good gut health by eating yogurt with live cultures or taking probiotics during and after antibiotic treatment.

Alternatives to Antibiotics

In some cases, depending on the illness, there may be alternatives to antibiotics. Your doctor might recommend:

  • Antiviral medications: For treating viral infections, such as the flu, which antibiotics won’t help against. CDC States
  • Supportive care: This may involve rest, fluids, and other measures to help the body fight off the infection.

By understanding the potential dangers and working closely with your doctor, seniors can benefit from the power of antibiotics while minimizing the risks.

By no means are we at LSV Vitamins saying do not take what your doctor prescribes, we are just saying that we have an alternative for those who cannot take Antibiotics, afraid one of the many side effects, or simply want to try an all-natural alternative. We have a large number of people (over 100,000) who take and have taken this at the first sign of a problem, and it works well. As always, consult your doctor.

Below are a number of statistics that help describe how antibiotics are currently being prescribed in outpatient settings in the United States and how these practices are contributing to the larger issue of antimicrobial resistance.

  • In 2014, 266.1 million courses of antibiotics are dispensed to outpatients in U.S. community pharmacies. This equates to more than 5 prescriptions written each year for every 6 people in the United States.
  • At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary, meaning that no antibiotic was needed at all.
  • Total inappropriate antibiotic use, inclusive of unnecessary use and inappropriate selection, dosing and duration, may approach 50% of all outpatient antibiotic use

The possibility of antibiotic side effects can be frightening, but it is important to remember that their proper use has saved countless lives. Those using antibiotics should report any possible negative reactions to their doctor immediately. In some cases, doctors will have their patients continue using a specific antibiotic if the side effects are mild; in others, the doctor will switch the patient to another drug.

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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any supplements. LSV. Individual results may vary.

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