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Principles for Taking Antibiotics Correctly

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  1. Why antibiotics work only on bacteria and have no effect on viruses

    Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria or inhibit their growth by interfering with processes such as bacterial cell wall synthesis or protein synthesis, so they have no effect on a cold or the flu, which are caused by viruses.

  2. Why you must take the full prescribed course

    If you stop taking antibiotics partway through because your symptoms have improved, without completing the full course your doctor prescribed, bacteria that haven't been completely eliminated may multiply again or develop resistance β€” so it's important to follow the prescribed course through to the end.

  3. Why you shouldn't stop taking them on your own

    Stopping on your own not only leaves treatment incomplete but also significantly increases the chance that surviving bacteria will develop resistance to the antibiotic, so even if your symptoms improve, you shouldn't stop without consulting your healthcare provider.

  4. The background behind antibiotic-resistant bacteria becoming a societal problem

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria don't respond well to existing antibiotics, leading to longer treatment periods and higher medical costs β€” this can spread beyond the individual into a public health problem for society as a whole, which is why the World Health Organization treats it as a major threat.

  5. Precautions about drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics

    Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics is known to potentially reduce the medication's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects, so it's safer to avoid alcohol during the course of treatment.

  6. Why you shouldn't share antibiotics with others

    Antibiotics are prescribed based on the specific type of infectious bacteria and an individual's condition, so even if symptoms seem similar, you should never share medication prescribed for someone else, or take leftover medication on your own.

  7. When you need to consult a professional

    If you have questions about taking antibiotics, have a specific medical condition, or are taking other medications, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Why do antibiotics need to be taken according to the rules?

Antibiotics are effective medications for treating bacterial infections, but if taken incorrectly, they can lose their effectiveness or lead to problems with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This page is general educational information about taking antibiotics and does not substitute for medical advice β€” the actual decision on whether to take them, along with dosage and method, must always follow the guidance of the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.

Also check out the difference between OTC and prescription medications

Antibiotics are a representative prescription medication that always requires a doctor's prescription β€” if you're curious why, take a look at our guide to the difference between OTC and prescription medications as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop taking antibiotics once my symptoms improve?

No. Even if symptoms improve, the bacteria may not have been completely eliminated, so stopping on your own without consulting your healthcare provider leaves treatment incomplete and significantly increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria developing.

Do I need to take antibiotics if I catch a cold?

Since a cold is caused by a virus in most cases, antibiotics, which target bacteria, have no effect, and whether to take antibiotics should be decided based on a healthcare provider's diagnosis and prescription.