If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
mixing drugspotweedalertnesscannabisopioidsalternative to drugsside effectsdrug abuseaddictionprescription medicationdrug misuseanxietystimulantsDrug Misuses
Tablets scattered on the table of the pharmaceutical laboratory pill for the prescription and treatment of various diseases chemistry

Antibiotic Safety

Antibiotics are valuable for fighting bacterial infections such as strep throat or a urinary tract infection – but taking them inappropriately can cause antibiotic resistance or make them ineffective for treating your infection.

Using Antibiotics Safely
One of the main risks with misusing antibiotics is that bacteria can change and become resistant to an antibiotic, meaning the antibiotic will no longer work against the bacteria. We see this now with superbugs such as drug-resistant gonorrhea and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Practicing safe antibiotic use can help prevent further antibiotic resistance and make sure you get better sooner.

Complete the full course of antibiotics
When taking antibiotics, you may start to feel better before finishing the full course. However, you will need to continue to take the full course as prescribed to kill the remaining bacteria. Otherwise, the infection may return and be more difficult to treat later on or may not respond to the antibiotic at all.

Ask your healthcare provider about drug interactions
Some antibiotics may react with other drugs you are already taking which can affect the antibiotic’s ability to work properly, also known as a drug interaction, so it is important to discuss medications with your healthcare provider. Also, be sure to ask about any interactions the antibiotic may have with alcohol if you think you may want to drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic.

Use antibiotics only for bacterial infections
Antibiotics will only work with bacterial infections. Taking them for a cold, flu, most sore throats (except for a laboratory-confirmed strep throat) or any other viral infection will have no effect on the virus. If your healthcare provider believes you have a viral infection, do not try to get antibiotics to treat it.

Only take antibiotics that are prescribed to you
You should never take an antibiotic that was prescribed for someone else. Also, do not share any antibiotics you are prescribed with another person.

Do not use antibiotics from a previous infection for a later illness
If you feel ill and think it is a bacterial infection, talk to your healthcare provider. Do not use any leftover antibiotics from a previous illness to treat a current illness.

Discuss with your healthcare provider before stopping an antibiotic
If you are noticing mild or moderate side effects or other concerns while taking an antibiotic, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider before stopping the medication. An exception to this is if you are having a severe reaction in which you should seek emergency treatment, especially if you are having difficulty breathing or swelling of your tongue, lips or throat.

Dispose of leftover medication
If a healthcare provider instructs you to stop an antibiotic early, it should be disposed of to prevent future misuse or accidental ingestion by a child or pet.

RELATED CONTENT
Managing Pain
Reduce Your Risk for Chronic Pain (and Risky Drug Use)

Learn how incorporating healthy habits early in your career can help reduce your risk of chronic pain and risky drug use later in life.

Managing Pain
Take Control of Your Chronic Pain

Have you heard the phrase “no pain, no gain?” That’s not exactly true.

Coping with Life
Let’s Talk about Suicide

When feelings of loneliness, distress and/or suicide come up, substance use can make these feelings worse.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.