Antibiotics
Antibiotics are another medication class that may reduce your ability to prevent fungal infections. These drugs are generally used to treat bacteria-induced diseases. They either eliminate the bacteria causing the infection or keep them from reproducing when the harmful bacteria overpower the immune system. Due to their potency, most antibiotics are only available when there’s a prescription. However, topical products like creams and ointments are OTC or over-the-counter.
It’s advised to take antibiotics only if needed to eliminate bacteria in the body and keep the risks of developing side effects at a minimum. One such adverse reaction that may result from misusing these drugs is antibiotic resistance, which means that the medications no longer work as intended. Other side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, upset stomach, fungal infections, and sunlight sensitivity.
Some rarer adverse effects of antibiotic use are reduced platelet count, severe pains and aches, hearing loss, low granulocyte, and kidney stones. It’s also not uncommon to develop allergic reactions to these medications, with symptoms including hives or raised rash, swelling, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and breathing difficulties. If any allergies begin to develop, it’s advised to seek medical attention immediately.
