How to take antibiotics responsibly
Antibiotics save lives, but using them when they are not needed makes infections harder to treat. Here is how to use them well.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. They do not work against viruses, which cause most colds, sore throats and flu-like illnesses. Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection does not help you recover faster, but it can still cause side effects and encourage resistant bacteria.
Finish the prescribed course
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, complete the full course even if you start to feel better. Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to grow back and become harder to treat.
Do not share or save antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed for a specific infection, dose and person. What helped a family member may be the wrong medicine for you.
Expect some stomach upset
Diarrhoea and nausea are common. Take the medicine with food if your label allows it, and contact your doctor if diarrhoea is severe or you develop a fever.
Ask about interactions
Some antibiotics affect hormonal contraceptives, blood thinners or other medicines. Your pharmacist can check your full medicine list.