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Antibiotics

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    Antibiotics are medicines used to kill bacteria that cause infections.

    A doctor will choose an antibiotic to treat an illness based on:

    • Whether taking an antibiotic will reduce the length or severity of the illness.
    • Whether the person is allergic to any antibiotics.
    • How likely it is that a certain antibiotic will kill the bacteria believed to be causing the symptoms.
    • The symptoms and the severity of the illness.
    • Other medical problems that the person has.
    • The person's age. (For example, some antibiotics are not safe for children.)
    • Whether a woman is pregnant.

    Current as of: April 30, 2024

    Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

    Clinical Review Board
    All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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