## Resistance develops If used too often, antibiotics become ineffective because the bacteria are smart and resilient. Once bacteria get used to the drug, they become stronger and harder to destroy later on. As a result, resistance to antibiotics develops. ## Useless against viruses Antibiotics treat bacterial infections by killing pathogens and preventing them from reproducing. However, an antibiotic cannot defeat a viral infection. On the contrary, it creates an additional burden on the body and worsens the condition. That's why you need to find out the cause of your ailments first before beginning a course of treatment. ## Different types of antibiotics There are many types of antibiotics. Each type is designed for specific types of bacterial infections. Medications that treat some diseases are completely useless for others and can only harm you. ## Damage to the stomach Antibiotics destroy the intestinal microflora, which causes the body to lack healthy bacteria as well as vitamins K, B12, and folic acid. The result is a weakening of the immune system, because it is directly dependent on the state of the intestinal microflora. ## Instructions vary Take antibiotics for as many days as your doctor prescribes. When you begin to feel better, you may be tempted to give them up, but you should not do so. Interrupting a prescribed course of antibiotics increases the risk that surviving pathogenic bacteria will develop resistance to follow-up treatment. The length of treatment and choice of antibiotic depends on the type and severity of the infection. Follow the schedule for taking the medication given in the instructions so that the concentration of the drug in the body is constant. If you forget to take the medication on time, do not take a double dose the next time. ## Additional guidelines Study the instructions and find out if the medicine should be taken with or separately from food. Some types of antibiotics should not be taken right after a meal, while others are better absorbed with food. Drink a lot of fluids when on antibiotics. Antibiotics should be taken with water. It is recommended that you drink at least 100 ounces of fluid a day during treatment. Strictly follow the storage rules specified in the instructions, especially if the medication is in suspension form. Observe the temperature regime and, if necessary, put it in the refrigerator. Otherwise, the antibiotic will be ineffective.