Using Antibiotics Safely

Information from the experts about using prescription antibiotics safely.

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All About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria (germs). Both viruses and bacteria can cause illnesses but antibiotics only work against bacteria. Each day, 15 Canadians die from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics are important because they save lives!

How to prevent antibiotic resistance

Healthy Canadians, 2017.

What do antibiotics help with? 

Antibiotics kill the bad (and good) bacteria in our bodies. Some common infections treated with antibiotics are:

  • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • pneumonia (lung infection)
  • strep throat

What antibiotics don't help with:

Antibiotics do not kill viruses. Do not take antibiotics for:

  • the common cold
  • the flu (influenza)
  • any infection caused by a virus

What are common side effects of antibiotics?

  • rash
  • dizziness
  • nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
  • diarrhea (loose, watery poop)
  • yeast infections
  • antibiotic resistance (antibiotics may not work as well the next time you need them)

Serious side effects include:

  • C. difficile infection — this is a type of bacteria found in the intestine (gut or bowel) and stool (poop)
  • severe (very bad) or life-threatening allergic reaction

Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions about your antibiotics, or if you start having side effects, especially diarrhea. This may be a sign of C. difficile infection, which is more serious.