Take as Prescribed: Antibiotics

What Are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a type of drug that helps prevent or treat bacterial infections. Your health care provider will prescribe these medicines when you need them. Common antibiotics include:

How to Use Antibiotics

It is important to take antibiotics exactly as instructed on the label. Using antibiotics incorrectly can cause side effects and lead to antimicrobial resistance. This means that the infection doesn’t go away with medication, which may lead to more serious health concerns. Follow these tips when taking antibiotics:

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Only take antibiotics that are prescribed to you by a health care provider

Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can do more harm than good, so never take those meant for someone else. Instead, speak with your health care team to determine the best treatment for your current condition.

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Complete all doses of the antibiotic and take the right dosage amount each time

If you don’t use a medication correctly for the prescribed length of time, your infection may not be fully treated. It is never recommended to save an antibiotic for later or share it with others.

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Avoid alcohol while on antibiotics

Alcohol consumption can make some antibiotics less effective and slow your body’s ability to heal. Drinking alcohol may also cause or worsen medication side effects like drowsiness, headaches, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting.

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Tell your health care provider if you experience side effects

Sometimes antibiotics may cause side effects, even when taken correctly. This can include rash, dizzinesss, nausea, diarrhea and various kinds of infections. If you have any of these symptoms while taking an antibiotic, follow up with your health care team as soon as possible.