Antibiotics:
No Appointment Necessary
Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, March 26 and June 25, 2005
Show 209
Dr. Lisa Thornton:
When you're coming down with a cold or the flu, you might think a course of antibiotics is just what you need. But you might want to think again.
Blanca Padilla, Pharm D, RPh:
Antibiotics are very affective when treating bacterial infections. Because they are so powerful, there are some things that you as a patient, need to know. First, understand when and when not to take antibiotics. You don't need them every time you are sick. If you have a cold or the flu which is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't do any good. However, there are new medications that may lessen the severity of a viral infection. Talk to your doctor about your options. The second thing to know about antibiotics is how important it is to finish your entire prescription. If you do not take the full course of medication, there is the possibility of becoming resistant to the antibiotic. If you're resistant to it, it can't help you get better. And if you happen to miss a dose, don't double your dosage the next time you take it. Only take the proper dose. But be sure that you continue taking the medication until your prescription is finished. Some of the best advice I can give is also the simplest—wash your hands, keep your food surfaces clean, and keep your immunizations up to date.