Antibiotic medication: when to use them and how to stay safe

Antibiotics fight bacterial infections — not viruses. That’s the single most useful rule to remember. If your sore throat, cold, or flu is viral, antibiotics won’t help and can cause side effects or resistance. Use antibiotics when a doctor confirms a bacterial infection or prescribes one to prevent an infection after surgery or a wound.

How to use antibiotics safely

Take the full course exactly as prescribed. Stopping early because you feel better gives surviving bacteria a chance to come back stronger. If your doctor prescribes a 7- or 10-day course, finish it. Don’t skip doses. If you miss one, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose — then skip the missed dose and continue. Never double up.

Watch for common side effects: stomach upset, diarrhea, yeast infections, and allergic reactions. If you get hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care. For milder issues like nausea or diarrhea, ask your pharmacist about taking the medicine with food or switching timing. Some antibiotics interact with other drugs and supplements — always tell your prescriber about other medicines, herbal products, or even grapefruit before you start.

Probiotics can help reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea for some people. Taking a probiotic supplement or eating yogurt with live cultures may help restore gut bacteria, but talk to your doctor before starting anything new.

Buying antibiotics and avoiding resistance

Only get antibiotics through a legitimate prescription. Buying antibiotics without a prescription or from unverified online shops risks counterfeit or unsafe meds. If you use online pharmacies, pick ones that require a prescription, show clear contact info, and have good reviews. Our site has guides on safe online pharmacy shopping and how to spot dodgy sellers.

Antibiotic resistance grows when antibiotics are overused or misused. That makes simple infections harder to treat. You can fight resistance by taking meds correctly, not sharing leftovers, and not pressuring your doctor for antibiotics when they aren’t needed.

If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours after starting an antibiotic, call your doctor. If you develop high fever, severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction, get medical help right away. Keep a list of past antibiotic allergies and reactions to share with any new provider.

Some antibiotics need special storage — keep them in their original bottle away from heat and moisture, and follow the label. Dispose of unused antibiotics properly; don’t keep leftovers “just in case.” Pharmacies and local programs often take returned meds for safe disposal.

Want more specifics? Read our piece on Clindamycin for details on one commonly used antibiotic and our article on alternatives to Minocycline if you need acne or infection options. If you’re unsure whether you need antibiotics, a quick chat with a clinician or pharmacist can save a lot of trouble.