Antibiotics 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 If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. Using antibiotics when you don’t need them, or not using them properly, can add to antibiotic resistance. This happens when bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. It is important to finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you. Do not save antibiotics for later or use someone else’s prescription. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Related Issues Antibacterials in Household Products Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Antibiotic Agents Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Antibiotic Safety Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Caused by Clostridium difficile (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate CDC Vital Signs: Making Health Care Safer — Antibiotic Rx in Hospitals Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Bronchitis (Chest Cold) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Common Cold and Runny Nose Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Ear Infections Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Influenza (Flu) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Sore Throat Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Symptom Relief Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – Urinary Tract Infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Penicillin Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Healthcare Settings Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Reference Desk Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance Glossary Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Antibiotics and Resistance: Glossary Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Health Check Tools Antibiotics Quiz Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Start Here Antibiotics: When They Can and Can’t Help American Academy of Family Physicians Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – What Everyone Should Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work – What You Can Do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention When and How to Take Antibiotics Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Encyclopedia Bacitracin overdose Bacitracin zinc overdose Pseudomembranous colitis Sensitivity analysis Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Array Central venous catheters – ports Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Anti-Bacterial Agents National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci National Institutes of Health Children Danger of Antibiotic Overuse (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Journal Articles Antibiotics Prophylactic use of antibiotics Statistics and Research Sinus Infections Account for More Antibiotic Prescriptions Than Any Other Diagnosis American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Seniors Special Concerns for Seniors: Clostridium difficile Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics Latest News Antibiotics Don’t Boost Baby’s Weight: Study HealthDay Study: Longer-Term Antibiotics Won’t Ease ‘Chronic Lyme Disease’ HealthDay Too Many People Still Take Unneeded Antibiotics HealthDay Mild Appendicitis Complication Rates Similar for Surgery, Antibiotics HealthDay
