Antibiotics: Topical and Oral. Potential side effects
With topical antibiotics, common side effects may include burning, itching, dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling where applied. With oral antibiotics, the most frequently observed, and usually doserelated, side effects are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. A less common side effect with oral antibiotics is blurred vision, primarily associated with tetracycline. Photosensitivity can also occur with tetracycline, so it is advisable to reduce sun exposure.
More serious side effects associated with oral antibiotics that may require medical attention include severe allergic reactions; other infections; vaginal irritation or discharge; bloody stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Major cautions
Antibiotics can cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) that may occur during treatment or even several weeks after treatment has stopped. Symptoms of this condition may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, or blood or mucus in the stool. Clindamycin is particularly associated with this condition, but it can be caused by any antibiotic.
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