Antibiotics are drugs used to fight infections caused by bacteria. There are many different types of antibiotics, including penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, quinolones, and so on. Your doctor's choice of antibiotic depends on the type of infection you have. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and are therefore useless against viral infections like the common cold.

Bacteria multiply rapidly, and each new generation contains bacteria that can more easily develop a resistance to antibiotics. When an infection is not properly treated, these "resistant" bacteria can multiply, making it more difficult for antibiotics to treat infections effectively.

Infections caused by resistant bacteria are becoming more common and are now considered a serious public health threat.

The improper use and overuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of resistant bacteria. Using antibiotics correctly ensures that the right level of antibiotic is maintained in your body for the entire treatment period and that most or all bacteria are killed

Using antibiotics to treat viral infections is inappropriate, wasteful and considered the major factor in the development of antibiotic resistance.

The following tips will help you to use antibiotics correctly.

· Do not insist on having your doctor prescribe an antibiotic for the common cold.

· Space doses as evenly as possible.

· Any once-a-day medications should be taken at the same time each day.

· Take the full course of treatment, even if you feel better.

· Find out whether the antibiotic should he taken with or without food.

· To avoid interactions, tell your pharmacist what other medications you are taking.

· Check with your pharmacist before taking non-prescription medications.

· If you have mild unwanted effects, ask your pharmacist about possible solutions. Do not stop taking your antibiotics.

· If you experience more severe unwanted effects, stop taking the antibiotic and contact your doctor immediately.