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Antibiotics Guide

Common Antibiotics and Their Uses Guide

Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat bacterial infections, but they should be taken carefully and only when they are actually needed.

Seek urgent care if:

  • You develop swelling of the face or lips, wheezing, or trouble breathing after a dose (possible severe allergic reaction).
  • A rash spreads quickly with fever, or you feel faint—phone emergency services without delay.

Antibiotic misuse hurts everyone

Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses, stopping early because you feel better, or using someone else's tablets speeds up resistance. That makes common infections harder to treat for you, your family, and the wider community.

What this guide is for

The table below lists familiar examples—not prescribing advice. Your doctor chooses drug, dose, and duration after examining you and, when needed, tests.

Examples you may hear about (education only)

Names vary by brand and country. Always follow the label and your clinician's instructions.

Example namesTypical role (general)Not used for
AmoxicillinSome ear, throat, chest, and urinary infections when bacteria are likely.Simple viral colds without a bacterial complication.
AzithromycinSelected respiratory, skin, or STI-related infections per guidelines.Routine viral fever or self-started "just in case" use.
CephalexinSome skin and urinary infections when a cephalosporin is appropriate.Non-bacterial pain or inflammation on its own.
MetronidazoleCertain anaerobic and protozoal infections as prescribed.Mixing with alcohol can cause severe reactions—follow pharmacy advice.

Common antibiotic names (quick list)

  • Amoxicillin
  • Azithromycin
  • Cephalexin
  • Metronidazole

Why Antibiotics Are Used

  • Treat confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections when a clinician prescribes them.
  • Help limit complications from some untreated bacterial illnesses when used appropriately.
  • Support infection control in hospital and community settings when stewardship rules are followed.

Risks of Misuse

  • Antibiotic resistance when tablets are shared, saved, or taken for the wrong illness.
  • Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset; serious allergy is possible in susceptible people.
  • Disruption of normal gut bacteria; secondary yeast or Clostridioides difficile issues are rare but important.

When to Take Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics do not treat most viral colds, flu, or ordinary sore throats without a bacterial cause.
  • Use only the medicine, dose, and duration on your prescription—do not borrow from someone else.
  • Finish the course unless your prescriber tells you to stop early; call the clinic if side effects worry you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are antibiotics used for?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as some throat, chest, urinary and skin infections.

When should I take antibiotics?

You should take antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them for a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection.

Can antibiotics help in viral cold?

No, antibiotics do not work against viral infections like the common cold or most flu cases.

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