Patient Information

Using Antibiotics Safely

Antibiotics are drugs that have helped save many lives by fighting bacterial infections, some fungal infections, and some parasites. Through the years, certain bacteria have developed the ability to resist the antibiotics that were designed to kill them. It is important to know how to safely use the medication and take steps to prevent more bacteria from developing resistance to antibiotics. Here are some things you can do:

• Know when to take antibiotics. The first step in using antibiotics safely is to know when you should take them. Antibiotics won’t work against viral infections including colds and flu.
• Follow directions. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, make sure you understand exactly how it should be taken. Some medications work best if taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Ask your doctor to tell you exactly what schedule you should use to take the medicine. There is a big difference between every eight hours and taking it three times a day with meals.
• You also should take all of the antibiotics in the prescription. Don’t stop taking them when you feel better or save some for the next time you feel sick. If you don’t take all the medication prescribed, you may be allowing the stronger bacteria to live and become resistant to that antibiotic.