Antibiotics: What You Need to Know

Antibiotics save lives, but they also cause trouble when used wrong. They kill or stop bacteria, not viruses. That means antibiotics help with strep throat, bladder infections, and some pneumonia—but they don’t help colds, flu, or most sore throats.

When a doctor prescribes an antibiotic, they choose one based on the likely bacteria and the drug’s strengths. Some are broad-spectrum (work on many bacteria); others target specific bugs. Broad-spectrum choices are handy for unknown infections but raise the risk of resistance and side effects.

When to Use Antibiotics

Only use them when a bacterial infection is likely or confirmed. Common signs that may need antibiotics include high fever with worsening symptoms, pus or bad-smelling drainage, painful urination, or tests that show bacteria. If you’re unsure, ask for a simple test—rapid strep or a urine dip can steer the decision.

Don’t pressure your clinician for antibiotics for viral illnesses. If your child or you have a typical cold, coughing, or light sore throat, rest, fluids, and time usually work best. Overuse increases antibiotic resistance—when bacteria stop responding and infections become harder to treat.

How to Use Them Safely

Follow the prescription exactly: dose, timing, and length. Stopping early can leave surviving bacteria that are more resistant. 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: stomach upset, yeast infections, rashes, or allergic reactions. Stop and get urgent care if you have trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a severe rash. Some antibiotics interact with other drugs or with grapefruit, so tell your provider about everything you take.

Probiotics or yogurt can reduce diarrhea risk while on antibiotics, but separate doses by a few hours from your antibiotic. Also, practice simple prevention to avoid infections: handwashing, clean wound care, vaccines, and safe food handling.

If a standard antibiotic fails, doctors may switch drugs or order tests. For stubborn infections or suspected resistance, specialists rely on culture results and targeted antibiotics. We cover alternatives in depth in our '10 Best Amoxicillin Alternatives' article—useful if first-line meds don’t work.

Buying antibiotics online? Use only trusted pharmacies that require a prescription. Read guides like our medixrx.com review and the Grifulvin V buying tips to avoid fake or unsafe products. Never use antibiotics leftover from someone else or from past illnesses.

Have special concerns—pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, or young children? Tell your prescriber. Some antibiotics are safer than others in those situations.

If you want more specifics—common antibiotic names, which treat what, and safety tips—check our detailed posts tagged 'antibiotics' on this site. Talk to your healthcare provider for a plan that fits your situation.

Report serious side effects to your doctor and local health agencies. Save prescription details, batch numbers, and dates if something goes wrong. Antibiotic stewardship programs in clinics help track resistance and guide smart use — ask your clinic if they have one and how it protects patients.