The inappropriate use or overuse of antibiotics means that disease-causing bacteria have built up resistance to treatment. Until new ways to deal with infections are developed, one must be careful with what we have.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges that you:
• Take all of the medication, even if you begin to feel better. If treatment stops too soon, the drug may not kill all the bacteria. You may become sick again, and the remaining bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic that you've taken.
• Don't skip doses; antibiotics are most effective when they're taken regularly.
• You might think that you can save an antibiotic for the next time you get sick, but it's meant to attack your particular infection at the time. Never take leftover medicine or antibiotics prescribed for someone else. Taking the wrong medicine can delay getting appropriate treatment and may allow your condition to worsen.
