Antibiotics are primarily used to treat or prevent certain types of bacterial infections, and they work by killing the bacteria or stopping them from spreading. However, they do not solve all problems. Many mild bacterial infections will improve on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics are not effective for colds, flu, and most viral infections such as coughs and sore throats. When it comes to antibiotic use, consult your doctor about the need for antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem, and if you take antibiotics when you don’t need them, it may mean that such antibiotics won’t work for you in the future. Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that: are unlikely to clear without antibiotics may infect others may take a long time to clear without treatment carry a risk of more serious complications people at high risk of infection may also use antibiotics as a preventive measure, called prophylactic antibiotics, commonly for some preoperative patients undergoing major surgery. Antibiotics are used according to the instructions for the medicine, or as prescribed by your doctor. These can be used to treat most types of mild to moderate infections in the body Creams, lotions, sprays and drops – these are usually used to treat skin infections and eye or ear infections Injectables – can be injected or given as drops into the bloodstream or muscle for more serious infections For antibiotics, if you forget to take a dose at a certain time, you can continue to take the antibiotic as usual, but adjust your dosing schedule later. If it is almost time for your next dose, continue to take the medication according to your regular dosing schedule and do not take a double dose to make up for it. Side effects of antibiotics As with any medication, antibiotics can cause side effects. If most antibiotics are used correctly, they do not cause problems, and serious side effects are rare. Common side effects include: weakness feeling nauseous bloating and indigestion diarrhea Some people may have allergic reactions to antibiotics, especially penicillins or certain cephalosporins, so it is important to skin test these drugs according to the instructions before using them. In rare cases, this may result in a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency treatment.