Antibiotic Therapy: What You Need to Know

Antibiotic therapy treats infections caused by bacteria. It won't help with viruses like colds or most sore throats. Knowing when to use antibiotics, how long to take them, and how to avoid problems like resistance makes treatment work better and keeps you safer.

When to Use Antibiotics

If a doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection—like certain types of sinusitis, strep throat, urinary tract infections, or bacterial pneumonia—antibiotics can speed recovery and prevent complications. Doctors use symptoms, exam findings, and sometimes tests (like cultures or rapid strep tests) to decide. If your doctor says an antibiotic is unnecessary, trust that advice: taking antibiotics for viral illnesses does more harm than good.

Start antibiotics only when prescribed. If a test says the infection is resistant to a certain drug, your doctor will switch to a different one. For some conditions, doctors may start with a broad drug and narrow it later based on test results. That approach helps target the bacteria and reduce side effects.

How to Take Antibiotics Correctly

Follow the prescription exactly: dose, timing, and duration matter. Skipping doses or stopping early can let some bacteria survive and become resistant. If you feel better before the course ends, still finish it unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Missing doses or shortening treatment is a common reason infections return.

Watch for side effects: nausea, diarrhea, rash, and yeast infections are common. Severe allergic reactions are rare but need immediate medical attention. If you have side effects, call your provider—sometimes a different antibiotic will work better with fewer problems.

Don’t mix antibiotics with alcohol or other medications without checking. Some drugs interact and cause bad reactions or reduce how well the antibiotic works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Keep good records. Note the antibiotic name, dose, and why it was prescribed. That helps future providers avoid repeating ineffective drugs or spotting patterns of resistance in your care.

If you buy medicines online, choose verified pharmacies and avoid sites that sell antibiotics without a prescription. Many trustworthy articles and reviews can help you pick safe sellers. Illegitimate sources may sell counterfeit or contaminated drugs that won’t treat your infection and can be dangerous.

Antibiotic resistance grows when bacteria survive exposure to drugs and pass on resistance. You can help slow resistance by using antibiotics only when needed, finishing the full course, and practicing good hygiene to prevent infections in the first place—handwashing, vaccinations, and food safety matter.

Have questions about a specific antibiotic or side effects? Ask your prescriber or a pharmacist. They can explain why a drug was chosen, how long you should take it, and what to watch for. Clear information helps you get better faster and avoids unnecessary risks.