Antibiotics save lives — but they only work when used the right way. Use them for bacterial infections, not for colds or flu. Misusing antibiotics makes them less useful for everyone by feeding antibiotic resistance.
Ask your doctor if symptoms point to a bacterial infection: high fever, a worsening cough with green or bloody sputum, certain skin infections, or a painful, swollen wound. Many sore throats and sinus issues are viral and won’t improve with antibiotics. If your doctor orders a throat swab, urine test, or blood test, that helps pick the right drug — and avoids unnecessary treatment.
If you have chronic health problems (like diabetes, lung disease, or a weakened immune system), mention them. Those conditions change both the need for antibiotics and the choice of medicine.
Follow the prescription: dose, timing, and length matter. Take the full course unless your prescriber tells you to stop. Stopping early can leave some bacteria alive and encourage resistance. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one — don’t double up.
Watch for side effects. Nausea, diarrhea, or a rash are common with many antibiotics. Severe reactions — trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or fainting — need emergency care. If side effects are bad, call your prescriber before taking more doses.
Think about drug interactions. Antibiotics can change how other medicines work. For example, some antibiotics affect blood thinners or birth control. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all medicines you take, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Gut health matters. Antibiotics can upset your digestion by killing friendly bacteria. Eating yogurt with live cultures or taking a probiotic during and after treatment can help reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Ask your clinician which probiotic strains and timing make sense for you.
Never share or use leftover antibiotics. The wrong drug, dose, or duration can be ineffective or harmful. If you have leftover pills, return them to a pharmacy when possible — don’t keep them “just in case.”
Buying antibiotics online? Only use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact info. Counterfeit or expired antibiotics are common on shady sites and can be dangerous. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how they verify prescriptions and where the meds are sourced.
Keep track of results. If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, or if they get worse, contact your prescriber. Sometimes a different antibiotic, a longer course, or a culture-guided change is needed.
Using antibiotics responsibly protects you now and keeps them working later. Ask questions, follow instructions, and get help quickly if things don’t improve.
