Antibiotics are celebrated for their life-saving role in treating infections and safeguarding our health, yet few consider the hidden risks these powerful drugs may carry. While undeniably effective, antibiotics can sometimes lead to unintended side effects. One such concern is their potential impact on the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. In a world where many are already prone to hypertension due to lifestyle and environmental factors, understanding the potential link between antibiotics and blood pressure fluctuations is vital. This article explores this connection, shedding light on an often-overlooked health consideration and encouraging awareness and caution.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention, or hypervolemia, occurs when the body retains excess fluid. This condition forces the body’s systems to work harder than usual to maintain proper function, which can lead to a concerning increase in blood pressure.
A study by the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care on this concept in relation to prescription drugs was executed. More specifically it analyzed an adverse effect of a medication called Levofloxacin. This is a prescribed drug that targets bacterial infections. In the study a woman, age 64, began experiencing swelling in her legs that was caused by fluid build up in her tissues. This is referred to as acute bilateral leg edema. The study concluded that practitioner’s should keep in mind that Levofloxacin is another uncommon drug that might induce leg edema.
A build up of fluid causes the body’s blood pressure to rise, which is exactly what outcome the patient experienced. Having this additional stress weighing on the body, the response is to fight against it. The rising levels of blood pressure happen for a multitude of reasons in this case, including increased blood volume and the decreased kidney function because of the fluid retention.
Disruption Of Microbiome
The gut is lined with a mucus membrane essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing beneficial bacteria, which can have significant consequences linked to hypertension.
First, the microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. When it’s altered, systemic inflammation often occurs, setting off a cascade of reactions. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for hypertension and can elevate blood pressure levels. Additionally, when antibiotics disrupt the microbiome, metabolism may be affected, weakening the body’s ability to process nutrients and produce short-chain fatty acids from dietary fiber. These disruptions from prescription drugs can directly contribute to increased blood pressure.
A study performed by Microbiology Open determined that gut microbiota plays a very crucial role in the host’s health, and can be perturbed by factors that include antibiotics. This is due to the reduced microbial diversity that antibiotics cause. This means that antibiotics have the effect of clearing away components in the gut that are necessary for bodily harmony. One piece of data even concluded that the infection known as Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile) is an example of a disease brought about directly through antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiota, prompting illnesses such as diarrhea, elevated blood pressure, and even death.
Stress response
The body’s most common reason for decayed behavior is stress. Some antibiotics have stress inducing side effects such as antibiotics labeled fluoroquinolones. In a survey by J Intern Med, 94 patients who took fluoroquinolones reported the following psychiatric side effects: anxiety disorder (72%), depression (62%), insomnia (48%), panic attacks (37%) and cognitive impairment (33%). All of these reactions prompt can increase blood pressure.
Other medications that are anxiety prompters are doxycycline, penicillin, and cephalosporins. This is important because stress is directly related to an increase in blood pressure. Patients should be advised of this controversy when taking medications with stress inducing side effects.
Blood vessel dilation
Blood vessel dilation can actually be a benefit of antibiotics on blood pressure. Studies have shown that certain antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation, leading to improved endothelial function and enhanced vasodilation. Vasodilation, the process of blood vessels widening, occurs when the endothelium releases bodily components. This process helps lower blood pressure, regulate body temperature, and increase blood flow. Research published in Physiological Genomics highlights that individual genetic makeup can significantly affect how a person’s blood pressure reacts to antibiotics like vancomycin and minocycline.
How to prevent antibiotics having this adverse outcome
Managing stress and considering probiotics when taking prescribed medications will help alleviate this problem. Research shows that taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can significantly reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which affects up to 35% of people on antibiotics. By keeping the gut healthy, antibiotics can do their job without disrupting your system. A systematic review published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that probiotics can help maintain the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome, which is often disrupted by antibiotics. By keeping a watchful eye on stress levels you should have no worries about the antibiotics you are being prescribed.
