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Antibiotics
Introduction
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.
Used properly, antibiotics can save lives.
Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses. If a virus
is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than
good. It is important to carefully follow the instructions given
to you with the antibiotics.
This reference summary will help you better understand
antibiotics. It covers how antibiotics work, antibiotic
resistance, and how to use antibiotics correctly.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are strong medicines. They can be used to treat bacterial infections,
including some that can be life threatening. Some antibiotics are broad spectrum.
These antibiotics can attack many different types of bacteria. Other antibiotics are
more specific and only attack one type of bacteria.
Antibiotics can be used to treat some fungal infections. They can also treat infections
caused by certain types of parasites. Infections caused by viruses cannot be treated
with antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective against
viruses.
Some bacterial infections that may be treated with an
antibiotic are:
• Bladder infections.
• Certain types of skin infections.
• Sinus infections that last longer than 2 weeks.
• Some types of ear infections.
• Strep throat.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 05/31/2016
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Some examples of viral infections that cannot be treated with an antibiotic are:
• Colds.
• Flu.
• Most coughs and bronchitis.
• Most ear infections.
• Sore throats not caused by strep.
• Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis.
Taking antibiotics for viral infections will not help you
feel better. It will also not cure the infection or prevent
others from catching the illness. Taking antibiotics
when you have a virus may do more harm than good.
You increase the chance that bacteria in your body
will be able to resist antibiotics each time you take
them.
How Antibiotics Work
Antibiotics normally work by killing the bacteria that are causing the infection. The
medicine targets the bacteria, leaving healthy cells alone.
Antibiotics directly attack the bacteria cells and injure them. This prevents the bacteria
from attacking the body and causing damage. Sometimes antibiotics may keep the
bacteria from reproducing instead. These medicines keep nutrients from reaching the
bacteria. Without nutrients, the bacteria cannot divide and multiply. Your body’s natural
defense system, also called the immune system, can usually take it from there. The
immune system is made up of organs and cells that defend the body. The system
fights infections and other diseases.
The immune system defends the body by:
• Creating antibodies that remember and identify specific germs.
• Destroying invading germs.
• Removing germs from the body.
Germs is a word used to describe bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Germs can
invade plants, animals, and humans and cause sickness.
Antibiotics stop the work of bacteria invading the body. This gives the immune system
time to attack the bacteria and get rid of the infection.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 05/31/2016
rxf20101
2
Using Antibiotics Correctly
Using antibiotics correctly can prevent antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance
happens when germs get so strong that they can resist the medicine. Germs can even
pass on the resistance to other germs.
The more often a person uses an antibiotic, the more likely it is that the germs will
resist it. This can make some diseases very hard to control. It can make you sick
longer and require more visits to a health care provider. You may need to take drugs
that are even stronger.
To prevent antibiotic resistance, take the antibiotic
exactly as you are told. Follow all directions given to
you by your health care provider or your pharmacist.
Do not skip doses. Never stop taking an antibiotic
without first talking to your health care provider. Even if
you are feeling better, finish taking the prescribed
amount. If treatment is stopped too soon, some
bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription. Do
not save medication for the next time you are sick. Never take antibiotics or any other
medication prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be right for your
illness. This can cause antibiotic resistant bacteria. Do not take antibiotics for a viral
infection. If you have a viral infection, ask your health care provider about ways to help
relieve your symptoms.
Summary
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly,
antibiotics can save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing.
Your body’s natural defenses can usually take it from there.
Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses,
such as:
• Colds.
• Flu.
• Most coughs and bronchitis.
• Sore throats, unless caused by strep.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 05/31/2016
rxf20101
3
If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do
more harm than good. You increase the chance that
bacteria in your body will be able to resist antibiotics
each time you take them. Later, you could get or spread
an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.
When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully.
It is important to finish your medicine, even if you feel
better. Do not save antibiotics for later or use someone
else’s prescription. These steps can help you prevent
antibiotic resistance.
This document is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional or a
recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that you rely on the
advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2016, The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com
Last reviewed: 05/31/2016
rxf20101
4