Protect Your Health - Antibiotics

Antibiotics can prevent serious complications, and even death, from infections. Used frequently or ineffectively, however, antibiotics can reduce your body’s defenses against later infection. So use antibiotics carefully, and only after asking your doctor about alternative treatments. Always call the doctor before taking another dose if you notice a new rash or other changes, while taking an antibiotic.

TELL

• The doctor and pharmacist about any allergies or previous reactions.

ASK

• What is the likelihood of getting well without antibiotics?
• What are the risks if I do not take antibiotics at this time?
• What about watchful waiting to give my body time to fight the infection without antibiotics?
• What do I need to do if the infection gets worse?

TALK

BEFORE you take any new medicine

• Make sure you know how, when, and for how long to take it.
• Find out if any foods, drinks, or other medicines should be avoided while on this medicine.
• Find out possible ineffectiveness of contraceptives or other medications.

Good Bacteria/Bad Bacteria

Any time you must take antibiotics, consider using some source of acidophilus and/or bifidus for a while after the medicine is finished. These two helpful bacteria are often removed from the intestines by antibiotics, and their removal can allow the growth of unwanted bacteria. Sources include the active cultures in yogurt, some milk products, and the refrigerated, over-the-counter tablet form sold in most pharmacies.

Copyright 2008 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

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Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published
in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. MELISSA MIXON, Interim Director

(POD-04-08)