If you’ve ever been told you need an antibiotic, you probably wondered how they actually work and why doctors choose one over another. Antibiotics are medicines that kill or stop bacteria from growing. They don’t help with viruses, so taking them for a cold won’t make it go away faster.
Doctors look at three main things: the type of infection, how severe it is, and any allergies you might have. For skin infections they often pick something like cephalexin (Keflex). If you have a chest infection caused by certain bacteria, amoxicillin or azithromycin could be the go‑to. The choice also depends on local resistance patterns—some bacteria have learned to dodge common drugs.
Finish the whole prescription, even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early lets surviving bugs become stronger and harder to kill later. Take the dose at the same times each day; it keeps the drug level steady in your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip the missed dose.
Watch out for side effects: upset stomach, diarrhea, or a rash are common. Severe reactions like trouble breathing are rare but need immediate medical help. If you notice anything unusual, call your doctor right away.
Sometimes antibiotics aren’t the best answer. For mild sinus issues, rest, fluids, and nasal saline can do the trick without exposing you to unnecessary meds. When a viral infection is likely, doctors may suggest antiviral pills or just symptom relief instead of an antibiotic.
If you’re allergic to penicillin, there are plenty of alternatives—macrolides like azithromycin or doxycycline are common substitutes. Always tell your pharmacist about any known allergies before filling the script.
Saving antibiotics for real bacterial infections helps keep them effective for everyone. Overusing them creates resistant bugs that spread quickly and make future infections harder to treat.
Bottom line: use antibiotics only when prescribed, follow the dosing schedule, finish the course, and talk to your doctor if you have questions or side effects. Simple steps like these protect your health and keep the drugs working for years to come.
Clindamycin is a common antibiotic used for tough bacterial infections, skin problems like acne, and more. Here's what you need to know before using it.
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