"Antibiotics" vs "Anti-inflammatory" for treating inflammation

"Antibiotics" vs "Anti-inflammatory" for treating inflammation

Most people have probably had experience taking one of these two types of drugs, such as when experiencing a sore throat, upset stomach, painful urination, or a wound. In the case of illnesses like arthritis, tendonitis, or muscle inflammation caused by accidents or sports injuries, they may also be given drugs to alleviate inflammation. How do these drugs for inflammation differ, and can they be used interchangeably?

In general, inflammation in the body can have many causes, both infectious and non-infectious, so it is important to consider what is causing the inflammation when using drugs to treat it.

In cases where inflammation is caused by infection, such as in a sore throat, upset stomach, painful urination, or wound, the drugs prescribed will be antibiotics, which kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Examples include penicillin, tetracycline, sulfa drugs, cloramphenicol, and kanamycin. These antibiotics generally need to be taken for the full course prescribed by a doctor to be most effective and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Non-infectious inflammation requires different medications depending on the cause. For example, in the case of muscle or tendon inflammation from playing sports or accidents, the medication used will be anti-inflammatory drugs that have pain-relieving effects without inhibiting any infection. These drugs are typically classified into two groups: steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The latter is the more commonly used group, which includes drugs such as Ibuprofen (trade names: Brufen®, Gofen®), Diclofenac (trade name: Voltaren®), and Mefenamic acid (trade name: Ponstan®), which are commonly used by women for menstrual pain. Aspirin is the oldest drug in this group, and it is typically known to irritate the stomach, so it should be taken with food and plenty of water.

Many patients misunderstand that anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics are the same thing. Mixing up these two types of medication can be dangerous, especially because both types of medications can be bought at regular pharmacies. Some patients may buy antibiotics for non-bacterial infections, or confuse them with anti-inflammatory drugs. This can not only be ineffective, but also lead to adverse effects. Moreover, incorrect usage or dosing instructions can also lead to misunderstandings. For example, a patient with myositis (muscle inflammation) who receives anti-inflammatory medication may mistakenly think that they need to take the medication continuously until the symptoms disappear, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, high blood pressure, edema, or kidney damage. If patients misunderstand that all anti-inflammatory medications should be taken continuously until they run out, they may also take anti-inflammatory medication for myositis continuously until it is all gone, even if their symptoms have already resolved. This is unnecessary medication use.

Danger from incorrect use of antibiotics:

Allergic reactions:

If the allergy is not severe, there may only be itching and a rash. If it becomes severe, the skin may become blistered or peeled, or it may even lead to death.

Development of drug-resistant infections:

The use of antibiotics may stimulate bacteria to mutate into drug-resistant strains. This requires the use of newer, more expensive antibiotics, of which only a few types are available. Eventually, there may be no available treatment, leading to death.

Occurrence of complications:

Antibiotics kill both disease-causing and beneficial bacteria in our gut. When the beneficial bacteria die, other harmful bacteria are given the opportunity to grow, leading to various complications such as severe inflammation of the intestines, where the intestinal walls are destroyed and excreted with feces. This can be life-threatening.

Therefore, if you are sick and need to see a doctor and receive antibiotics, carefully read the label and understand it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for the most effective and safe use of antibiotics.

Vibhavadi Hospital Pharmacy

Reference:

• Drug Information Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University.

• Promotion of Rational Use of Antibiotics in Pharmacies project; Health Systems Research Institute.