Antibiotics can be important medicines for treating certain bacterial infections. But they are not suitable for every illness, and using them incorrectly can make treatment less effective and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Knowing when antibiotics are appropriate—and how to use them properly—is an important part of medication safety.
What Do Antibiotics Treat?
Antibiotics are designed to treat infections caused by bacteria. They do not treat viral infections such as most common colds and many cases of flu.
This is one reason it is important not to assume that every cough, sore throat or fever requires an antibiotic.
Why Should You Take Antibiotics Exactly as Directed?
When an antibiotic has been prescribed for you, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
This includes:
- Taking the correct dose.
- Taking it at the recommended times.
- Following any instructions about food or drinks.
- Completing the prescribed course unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Avoiding sharing your antibiotics with someone else.
- Not using leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.
If you are unsure about any of these instructions, your pharmacist can explain them.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in ways that make antibiotics less effective against them. As resistance increases, some infections can become more difficult to treat.
Using antibiotics when they are not needed, taking them incorrectly or using medicines that were not prescribed for you can contribute to this problem.
Antibiotic resistance is therefore not only an individual health concern—it is also an important community health issue.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you realise that you have missed a dose, ask your pharmacist or check the specific instructions supplied with your medicine. The appropriate action can depend on the particular antibiotic and how close you are to your next scheduled dose.
Avoid automatically taking extra medicine to compensate.
What About Side Effects?
Like all medicines, antibiotics can cause side effects. Some are relatively mild, while others may require medical attention.
Speak to your pharmacist if you experience an unexpected or troublesome reaction. Seek urgent medical attention for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a rapidly developing severe reaction.
Never Use Someone Else’s Antibiotics
An antibiotic prescribed for another person may be the wrong medicine, dose or duration for your condition.
Even if two people appear to have similar symptoms, the underlying cause may be different.
The right medicine starts with the right advice.
Your Pharmacist Can Help
At Asterix Pharmacy, our pharmacists can provide guidance on the proper use of medicines, explain how and when to take them, discuss possible side effects and help you understand important precautions.
If you have questions about an antibiotic or any other medicine, speak to your pharmacist before making changes to how you use it.
Key Takeaway
Antibiotics are valuable medicines—but they need to be used responsibly. Take them only when appropriate, use them exactly as directed, and ask a qualified healthcare professional when you are unsure.
Need advice about a medicine?
Speak to a Pharmacist
