Using antibiotics correctly

Did you know that most respiratory infections (colds, coughs, bronchitis and the flu) are caused by viruses, and that antibiotics only fight bacteria? If antibiotics are used to treat a viral infection, not only do they not work, but they could be harmful as well – they often have adverse effects.

What is more, using antibiotics too often or incorrectly can increase the likelihood of bacteria becoming increasingly resistant (unresponsive) to antibiotics, which means that these drugs might no longer work when they are really needed.

Why are antibiotic-resistant bacteria dangerous?

Many antibiotics can no longer fight resistant bacteria, so the bacteria are able to spread more and more. Infections that used to be effectively treated with antibiotics do not clear up properly or may even become life-threatening, like pneumonia. This can have serious consequences, particularly for young children, older people and chronically ill people with weak immune systems.

How can you use antibiotics correctly?

If you have an infection and your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important to know why and how to take them exactly. Be sure to ask if anything is still unclear.

• Talk to your doctor about the benefits and possible effects of using antibiotics. One reason why this is important is because antibiotics often cause adverse effects, such as allergies, stomach and bowel problems, nausea or fungal infections. If you take antibiotics, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed. In other words: the right dose, regularly, and until you have used up all of the antibiotics in the packet.
• Depending on the medical condition, antibiotics usually have to be taken for several days or sometimes even weeks before they have killed enough bacteria.
• Antibiotics usually provide very fast symptom relief. But just because the symptoms have disappeared, it does not mean that enough bacteria have already been killed. If you stop taking antibiotics too early, the infection may return and the leftover bacteria could become resistant.
• General information about how to take medication can be important and helpful: Is it OK to break the tablets into smaller pieces or crush them? Should they be taken before or after meals? Could they interact with other medications you are taking?
• One packet of antibiotics usually contains exactly the right amount of tablets for one course of treatment. If there are some tablets left over, they should not be kept for later use or given to other people.
• It is best to take leftover medication to a pharmacy. Throwing it into a bin or the toilet is bad for the environment.

Where can you find more information about using antibiotics correctly?

Your doctor can give you detailed information about what dose of antibiotics to take, how often, for how long and other things you should know. You can also ask a pharmacist or read the package insert for more information.