The Responsible Way to Take Prescribed Antibiotics

pharmacists at the pharmacy giving information to patient
When we go to the doctor and are prescribed medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. However, when it comes to antibiotics, several of us may be guilty of not following through and taking the entire prescription as prescribed. For this reason, it is important to understand the responsible way to take prescribed antibiotics.

Share This Post

When we go to the doctor and are prescribed medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. However, when it comes to antibiotics, several of us may be guilty of not following through and taking the entire prescription as prescribed.

For this reason, it is important to understand the responsible way to take prescribed antibiotics.

Smart Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics can only effectively treat a few specific infections that are caused by bacteria such as strep throat, whooping cough, and a urinary tract infection.

Antibiotics will not work on viruses like colds, runny noses, sore throats with the exception of strep, the flu, and most chest colds.

They also don’t always work on some of the more common bacterial infections, including sinus and ear infections. If you choose to take antibiotics when they are actually not even needed, they won’t help anything, and their side effects can cause problems.

Take All Antibiotics as Prescribed

So, when you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your doctor.

You also should never share your antibiotics with anyone else, don’t save them for a later time, and don’t take them if they were not prescribed to you.

Doing so can delay treatment, cause adverse health problems, and can even make you even sicker than you already may be.

Understand the Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

It is important to talk with both your pharmacist and doctor about the common side effects of taking our antibiotics.

Some of the more common side effects include rash, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections. Other, more serious, side effects can include a severe allergic reaction and antibiotic-resistant infections.

YouTube player

Other Steps for Responsible Antibiotic Use

In order to keep yourself, your family, and the community safe, you need to follow these steps for more responsible antibiotic use.

Minimize Infection Risk

To avoid overusing antibiotics, you should do what you can to reduce the chances of becoming sick in the first place.

To do this, avoid anyone who is sick, wash your hands often, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, and stay up to date on your vaccinations.

Educate Yourself

You should also educate yourself on what antibiotics can treat. Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections and cannot fight viral infections, as we have already mentioned.

So if you have the flu or the common cold, antibiotics will not work. If you use them for something they are not intended for, you can ultimately increase your likelihood of resistance, which can lead to devastating side effects for your health.

Don’t Use Old Antibiotics

Never use leftover antibiotics either. They should only be taken after talking with your doctor and having it prescribed. It is meant to treat the symptoms you are currently experiencing.

Paying for Antibiotics

After you have been to the doctor and have been prescribed an antibiotic, you need to get the prescription filled so you can immediately start taking them as prescribed by the doctor.

Antibiotics typically only treat short term, acute conditions, so they are never really prescribed for long term use for chronic conditions. So, when it comes time to fill your prescription and pay, you want to find the lowest price possible.

They also often don’t count toward your health insurance deductible either, which can make them even more of a pain to pay for out of pocket.

The cost of each antibiotic depends on what it is and if you have insurance drug coverage to help cover some or all of the cost.

You can’t purchase antibiotics over the counter, either. They always require a prescription. If you find it hard to come up with the money to pay out of pocket for your prescription, there are several ways you can save.

A Walgreens prescription discount card is just one of those ways. When you choose a discount program, you can find the lowest possible price on your medication so you can save money without having to go without the medicine you need.

With a Walgreens prescription discount card, it is possible to save up to 85 percent on medication at Walgreens using this free card. There are no fees to join, and you can use it immediately to start saving money.

Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance

Since we have been coming up with new antibiotics, we have been able to stay ahead of the development of antibiotic resistance.

However, resistance has recently begun increasing, which is causing a number of health care issues.

Medication-resistant infections can cause more serious illness, longer recovery times, more frequent and longer hospitalization, more doctor visits, and more expensive treatments.

Avoidance

To avoid this kind of resistance, you should refrain from pressuring your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Instead, ask for alternative treatments that can be used.

If they can offer you any other practical advice, they will. They do not want to prescribe antibiotics unless they feel it is absolutely necessary for your treatment.

As previously mentioned, you also want to do everything within your power to avoid bacterial infections. Practice good hygiene, make sure you are up to date on vaccinations that protect against certain bacterial infections like whooping cough and reduce your risk of getting a foodborne illness as well.

These means don’t drink raw milk, wash your hands regularly, and make sure that all of your food is being cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Finally, if you are prescribed antibiotics, don’t stop taking them as soon as you feel better. You need to run through the entire course of treatment, or you risk the infection coming back even stronger. So, when we say to avoid taking old, leftover antibiotics, you shouldn’t even have any left to begin with.

Following this advice will help you take your antibiotics more responsibly. If you find yourself prescribed antibiotics but are having a hard time paying the cost out of pocket, make sure to look into discount cards and programs that can help ensure that you receive the medication and treatment you need to get better.

References, Studies and Sources.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/side-effects/
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/antimicrobial-resistance
https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults over the age of 18. Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but how often should you get an eye exam?

Read More »

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion as treatment. An iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is administered directly into your bloodstream. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about iron infusions including what they are, how they work, and how to prepare for them.

Read More »
what is genomic medicine

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows people to know and understand the differences in their own genetic information. The results of genetic testing can help providers choose medications that are tailored specific genes and improve the health care of individual patients.

Read More »

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are?

If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real nuisance.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about chigger bites, what they are, where they live, what happens when they bite you, and how to treat them.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of

The different types of lie bumps: Transient lingual papillitis, fungiform papillae, and other forms

There are many different types of lie bumps and each one has its own specific symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available to you. We’ll discuss

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia,

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are? If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia as it is made by bees from the

How Often Can I Take Tylenol?

Tylenol, also known by the generic name acetaminophen, is a popular over-the- counter (OTC) drug that is classified as an analgesic (pain reliever) and

Coffee: Potential Benefits and Adverse Effects

In this article, we will explore coffee's history, its potential benefits, and if it is safe for everyone to consume.

Parosmia: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Parosmia is an olfactory disorder where you have a distorted perception of smell and you may smell odors differently than you should. It can

What Is Levofloxacin?

Improper prescription and use of antibiotics over the past several decades has led to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, many of which do not

Brown Recluse Spider Bites: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of being bitten by a brown recluse spider, when to seek medical attention, and how to

What Is the Drug Levofloxacin Used For?

One powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin, is used to treat and prevent a number of serious infections that cannot be treated with other medications. So,

Comparison of Azithromycin and Clarithromycin

Azithromycin and clarithromycin are both macrolide antibiotics used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract

MCHC: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells with hemoglobin being responsible for transporting

What are the Symptoms of Coffee Withdrawal?

Due to the prevalence of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, caffeine is one of the most popular drugs in the world and

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Quercetin

This article will answer all your quercetin-related questions such as what quercetin is, how much quercetin you should take daily, what are the beneficial

How Much Does the Shingrix Vaccine Cost?

The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in preventing shingles in 2017, and older Americans aged 50 and older are strongly advised to receive

All You Need to Know About Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be seen on the skin. It can affect both children and adults, but it's most common in

CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

CBD oil is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. CBD is short for cannabidiol and it is one of over 100 chemical

The Top 7 Best CBD Lotions of 2023

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and hemp plants. It has many supposed beneficial properties for the skin, making

CBD Topical Cream for Blemishes

If you are tired of dealing with sore, spotty skin and it is a problem that you still experience on a daily basis, now

CBD Hype: Is it Worth Buying?

The triumphant stories of many novel medications can be rooted in someone’s misfortune. Such was the story of 5-year old Charlotte Figi, who back

How to Break a Fever: Recommended Tips to Beat the Body Heat

If you are desperate to learn how to break a fever, you may be surprised to discover that there are many home remedies  you

Clindamycin vs Azithromycin: Which is Better?

Both clindamycin and azithromycin belong to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, and are associated with a relatively low risk of side effects.

The Truth About Jojoba Oil: From the The Holistic Pharmacy

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax, also called an oil interchangeably, that's extracted from jojoba seeds, and it has been used for centuries by

What Is Eliquis?

Many people don’t think about blood clots on a daily basis, but if you’ve ever had a blood clot, then you know just how

Everything You Need to Know About Wormwood

Wormwood is a plant that has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. Its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word wermode

First Oral Medication Approved for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There are a few treatment options available for spinal muscular atrophy, but recently the U.S. Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) approved the first oral

Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions

Grapefruit juice, and other fruit juices, can interact with certain medications. Learn about the interaction of grapefruit juice with different drugs and how to

White Bumps on Your Tongue: What Are They and When You Need to Worry?

If you are worried about white bumps on your tongue, it's important to know that many people experience this issue at some point in