Antibiotic Resistance: Why You Should Never Self-Medicate

Antibiotics have saved countless lives since they were discovered. But every time they are used, bacteria have a chance to adapt. Over time, some bacteria have become resistant, which means the antibiotics that once killed them no longer work. Health Canada and public health agencies around the world consider antimicrobial resistance one of the most serious threats to modern medicine.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in ways that let them survive a medicine designed to kill them. These resistant bacteria can then multiply and spread to other people.

Infections caused by resistant bacteria can be harder to treat. They may need stronger medicines given in hospital, take longer to clear, and lead to more complications. Routine procedures such as surgery, cancer treatment and caesarean sections rely on effective antibiotics to prevent infections.

Antibiotics do not work on viruses

Many common illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics have no effect on them.

• Colds
• Flu (influenza)
• COVID-19
• Most sore throats
• Most coughs and bronchitis
• Most ear infections in children, which often clear without antibiotics
• Most sinus infections

Taking an antibiotic for these illnesses will not help you feel better faster. It can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, rashes, yeast infections and allergic reactions, and it encourages resistance.

Why self-medicating is risky

In Canada, antibiotics are prescription-only medicines. You may be tempted to use leftover tablets or ask a friend or family member to share theirs, but this can cause harm.

• The medicine may not be right for your infection
• The dose and length of treatment may be wrong
• You may delay getting the right diagnosis and treatment
• Antibiotics can interact with other medicines you take
• You may have an allergy or condition that makes the medicine unsafe for you
• Antibiotics bought online from unlicensed sellers may be fake, contaminated or the wrong strength

Never buy prescription medicines from websites that do not ask for a prescription. A licensed Canadian pharmacy will always require one.

Use antibiotics wisely

When you are prescribed an antibiotic:

• Take it exactly as directed, at the right times and for as long as your prescriber tells you
• Ask whether to take it with food, and what to avoid, such as dairy, antacids or alcohol with certain antibiotics
• Do not skip doses
• Do not save leftover antibiotics for later or share them
• Return any unused antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal

Guidance about treatment length has been changing. For many common infections, shorter courses are now known to work as well as longer ones. Follow the instructions you were given, and ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you are unsure whether to finish the full supply.

Questions to ask your health care provider

It is reasonable to ask questions when you are offered an antibiotic, or when you are not.

• Is this infection likely caused by bacteria or a virus?
• Do I need an antibiotic, or will this get better on its own?
• What can I do to feel better while my body fights the infection?
• What signs mean I should come back or seek care?

Sometimes a provider may suggest a delayed prescription, meaning you fill it only if symptoms do not improve after a few days.

Feeling better without antibiotics

For viral infections, supportive care helps most.

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever as directed
• Try saline nasal rinses, warm drinks with honey (for anyone over one year old) and throat lozenges
• Use a humidifier in dry winter air

Your pharmacist can recommend safe over-the-counter products based on your age, other conditions and medicines.

Pharmacists and minor infections

In Ontario and several other provinces, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for certain minor ailments, including uncomplicated urinary tract infections in some people and impetigo. When you see a pharmacist for one of these conditions, they will decide whether an antibiotic is truly needed and refer you to a doctor or nurse practitioner when it is not appropriate to treat in the pharmacy.

Prevention is the best medicine

Preventing infections reduces the need for antibiotics in the first place.

• Wash your hands regularly
• Stay up to date with vaccines, including flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccines where recommended
• Prepare and store food safely
• Stay home when you are sick

If you have questions about an antibiotic you have been prescribed, our pharmacists are available 24/7.