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Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications that kill bacteria. Bacteria are organisms that cause infections.

A health professional will choose an antibiotic to treat an illness based on:

  • Whether taking an antibiotic will reduce the length or severity of the illness.
  • The person's age. (For example, some antibiotics are not safe for children.)
  • The symptoms.
  • Other medical problems that the person may have.
  • The severity of the illness.
  • How likely it is that a certain antibiotic will kill the bacteria believed to be causing the symptoms.
  • Whether the person is allergic to any antibiotics.
  • Whether a woman is pregnant.
Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.