What is an antibiotic?
How do antibiotics work in the body?
Who needs antibiotics?
When should I finish my antibiotics course
What can I do to take antibiotics properly?
Do I need to watch what I eat and drink?
What should I do if I miss a dose of the antibiotic?
What should I do if the medication makes me ill and I want to stop taking it?
Can I take my old prescription?
What should I do if I take birth control pills or other medication?
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They are usually taken by mouth, but can sometimes be given into a vein (intravenous), into a muscle (intramuscular) or applied to the skin (topical). They work by killing bacteria and/or preventing their growth. Different types of antibiotics treat different kinds of infection.
They work by killing bacteria and/or preventing their growth. Different types of antibiotics treat different kinds of infection.
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Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections only, such as pneumonia or TB. Your doctor will decide if you need an antibiotic and which type is best for you.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses (not bacteria) so antibiotics will not help. If you have a cold or flu it can take up to two weeks to clear up. Call your doctor if your illness gets worse after two weeks.
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You should continue taking the antibiotics until the end of the prescribed course. This should only change if your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise. If you are having side-effects and want to stop taking the antibiotics you must tell your doctor.
Bacteria can still be in the body even when you are feeling better. So it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics. This will make it less likely for the infection to return.
If antibiotics are stopped too early 'bacterial resistance' can become a problem. Bacterial resistance is when antibiotics stop working or do not work as well against the bacteria causing the infection.
It is more likely that the bacteria will become resistant if antibiotics are incorrectly used for non-bacterial infections or the wrong antibiotics are used for specific infections.
There are many things you can do. These are a few simple things:
- Only take antibiotics when you need them. They are not always the answer. Do not expect your doctor to prescribe them for colds, most coughs and sore throats. Other remedies can help relieve these symptoms - speak to your pharmacist for advice.
- Take your antibiotic at the right time. The instructions on the label will tell you how many times a day to take them. It is a good idea to take them at certain times each day, such as mealtimes, bedtime or when you brush your teeth. Simple reminders like setting the alarm clock or keeping the antibiotics in view can help.
- Take the antibiotic correctly. It is easy to open or chew capsules, but you should only do so if your doctor has told you to.
- Don't share antibiotics with other people. Your antibiotics are to help your infection. They may not suit someone else or help their illness.
- Do not take someone else's antibiotics.
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Many antibiotics cannot be taken with certain foods or drinks. This is because they make the anitbiotic less effective, so reducing the chances of a full recovery.
Alcohol is most often mentioned as something to be avoided, but even some fruit juices can have an effect on some antibiotics. Check this with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking the course.
People can accidentally forget to take one dose. If that happens, take it as soon as you can. Then go back to your usual course as directed by your doctor. If you have completely missed a dose, do not double up next time. If you have missed a dose but remember to take it before the next one is due, take that dose and the remainder as prescribed.
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Most of us take antibiotics without a problem, but they can produce side effects and even serious problems in some people. You should always tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if your medication makes you ill or if you want to stop taking it.
Antibiotics can cause:
- Sickness
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
Unexpected side effects such as an allergic reaction. This can cause rash and itching or, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Severe or unusual reactions need to be dealt with by your doctor, so make an appointment with her or him as quickly as you can. (S)he may decide to give you a different antibiotic or change how many or how often you take them.
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You should never begin to take antibiotics until a doctor or nurse has seen you. Your old antibiotic or the one you have borrowed may not be the right one for your new infection.
You should always take the full course of antibiotic treatment, so none of the drug should be 'left over', even if you are feeling better. If this has occurred the antibiotic should not be taken to treat any other illness. Return all 'leftover' antibiotics to your pharmacist.
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Always inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including birth control pills and over-the-counter drugs. Drugs sometimes interact with each other. Some antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pill, and an unplanned pregnancy may occur. If this is an issue speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what precautions to take.
Page last medically reviewed: September '07
