What are antibiotics

The best known antibiotic is penicillin. However, there are many different types of antibiotics. There is no antibiotic that works on all infections. You may therefore experience that you receive different kinds of antibiotics for different infections.

Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and are therefore are only used for infections with bacteria. The most common infections are caused by viruses, for example with a cold and influenza. It will therefore be a smaller group of people who need antibiotics. In many instances, the body can heal itself without any treatment.

When you take antibiotics, there is a risk that you may experience adverse reactions or that resistant bacteria form. These bacteria can be difficult to treat. It is therefore important that antibiotics are only used when necessary and by doctor’s orders.

You should not borrow antibiotics from others. You cannot be sure that you can tolerate it or that it is the right medicine for what you are ailing from. At the same time, there is a risk of increasing the number of resistant bacteria, even if the medicine does not work on what you are ailing from.

Therefore, you should always consult a doctor if you believe that you need antibiotics. The doctor will determine whether you should have antibiotics and which type you should have. To ensure the best possible treatment, it is important that you follow the instructions of the doctor carefully.

If you have any doubts about your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Antibiotics should only be given when there is reason to do so. Antibiotics should not be given as a precaution.