Antibiotics: how to use them responsibly
Antibiotics save lives, but only when they're used correctly. Learn when they help, when they don't, and why self-medication is risky.
Medisri Team19 October 2026 4 min read
Key takeaways
- Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. They don't work on viruses like the common cold or flu.
- Take them exactly as prescribed, for the full time your doctor advises.
- Never use leftover antibiotics or share them with others.
Antibiotics are among the most important medicines we have. Using them carelessly makes them less effective for everyone, through a problem called antimicrobial resistance.
When antibiotics help, and when they don't
Antibiotics fight bacteria. Most coughs, colds, sore throats and flu are caused by viruses, which antibiotics cannot treat. Taking them for a viral illness won't make you feel better faster and can cause side effects.
Taking them the right way
- Take only antibiotics prescribed for you, for this illness.
- Follow the dose, timing and duration on your prescription.
- Don't stop early just because you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to.
- Tell your doctor if you get a rash, swelling or other unusual reaction.
Have antibiotics left over at home? Don't keep them "for next time". Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of them safely.
Why resistance matters
When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics that don't fully clear them, they can adapt and stop responding. Infections that were once easy to treat then become harder to cure. Using antibiotics only when needed helps keep them working.
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