Antibiotic Uses: What They Do and When You Need Them
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. They don’t work on viruses, so taking them for a cold won’t help. Knowing the right situations to use antibiotics can keep you healthy and prevent resistance.
Typical situations where antibiotics are prescribed
Doctors usually recommend antibiotics for:
- Skin infections like cellulitis, impetigo, or infected cuts.
- Respiratory infections such as bacterial pneumonia, strep throat, and certain sinus infections.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that cause burning, urgency, or fever.
- Ear infections in children when fluid buildup is caused by bacteria.
- Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
How to use antibiotics safely
Even when an antibiotic is appropriate, using it correctly matters. Follow these steps:
- Take the exact dose your doctor prescribed, at the same times each day.
- Finish the whole course even if you feel better early. Stopping too soon lets bacteria survive and become resistant.
- Don’t share medication with family or friends. Different infections need different drugs.
- Report side effects like rash, diarrhea, or severe stomach pain to your provider right away.
- Store properly—most pills need a cool, dry place; some liquids must be refrigerated.
Antibiotic resistance is a real concern. Overusing or misusing these drugs gives bacteria a chance to evolve. By only taking antibiotics when a doctor says it’s needed, you help keep them effective for everyone.
Got questions about a prescription? Call your pharmacy or ask the prescribing doctor. They can explain why a specific antibiotic was chosen, how long you need it, and what to watch for.
Remember: antibiotics are powerful tools, not cure‑alls. Using them wisely protects your health and the health of the community.
