What not to do while taking antibiotics? 

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

Overview

Antibiotics are essential medications for managing bacterial infections, but using them inappropriately can limit their effectiveness and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem in Australia and worldwide, making some infections more difficult to treat over time. Taking antibiotics exactly as recommended by a healthcare professional helps protect both individual and community health.

If you have symptoms of an infection and are unsure whether you need medical treatment, a telehealth consultation can provide a convenient way to speak with a telehealth doctor from home when your condition is suitable for online care. A doctor can discuss your symptoms, medical history and treatment options, and advise if an in-person assessment or testing is needed.

What are antibiotics, and when are they used?

Antibiotics are medications that manage bacterial infections in the throat, skin, chest, and urinary tract. They are ineffective against viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, and viral sore throats. Some infections, particularly those involving the chest or skin, may require an in-person assessment, physical examination, or diagnostic testing to ensure safe management.

Common mistakes people make while taking antibiotics

Here are some common antibiotic mistakes:

• Stopping therapy early when symptoms improve

• Skipping dosages

• Taking somebody else's antibiotics

• Saving leftover antibiotics for later

• Taking antibiotics for colds or flu

• Mixing medicines and alcohol without seeking medical advice

• Not following the food or timing instructions

Why you should not stop antibiotics early

You should not discontinue antibiotics early unless instructed by a doctor. Even if you feel better, germs may still exist in your body. Stopping management too soon might allow the illness to recur and lead to antibiotic resistance, making future infections more difficult to manage.

Can you drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?

It depends! Some antibiotics might interact with alcohol and cause adverse effects like nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, or stomach discomfort. Alcohol can also harm sleep and hydration, slowing recovery. It is important to see a doctor or pharmacist before consuming alcohol while on antibiotics.

Foods and medicines to avoid while taking antibiotics

Certain antibiotics may interfere with meals, supplements, or prescriptions. Depending on the antibiotic, doctors may recommend avoiding:

• Alcohol

• Dairy products close to dosing time

• Antacids

• Iron or calcium supplements

• Some herbal supplements

• Several prescription drugs

Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if you miss a dose?

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dosage unless directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Missing multiple doses may impair the antibiotic's effectiveness.

Antibiotics vs viral infections

 

Condition type	Do antibiotics help	Examples
Bacterial infection	Yes	Urinary tract infections, bacterial pneumonia, and skin infections
Viral infection	No	Common Cold, Flu, Covid-19, Viral Sore Throat

Antibiotics do not work against viral illnesses. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily may increase side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Note: This information is for educational purposes. Hola Health does not prescribe antibiotics.

 Possible side effects to watch for

Possible negative consequences might include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach upset

• Skin rash

• Headache

• Thrush 

• Dizziness

Seek medical attention if your side effects are severe or worsening. When to see a doctor Talk to a doctor if you:

• Feel worse after beginning antibiotics

• Develop severe diarrhoea

• Experience redness or swelling

• Have breathing troubles

• Continue to have a fever, or worsening symptoms

• Miss several doses

If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED). Examples include breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness.

Telehealth vs in-person visit for infections 

Telehealth consultation	In-person consultation
Suitable for mild symptoms or follow-up care	Suitable for severe or complex symptoms
Convenient for discussing symptoms remotely	Allows physical examination
Doctors may provide prescriptions if appropriate	May allow immediate testing
Helpful for medical advice and referrals	Better for emergency or worsening conditions

Telehealth can be a convenient option for assessing some infections, but it does not replace face-to-face care in all situations. Some conditions may require physical examination, testing, or urgent in-person treatment.

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health offers online consultations with doctors for a variety of common health issues, including infections. Doctors can diagnose symptoms online and discuss relevant management choices. Depending on the clinical evaluation, doctors may:

• Evaluate infection symptoms

• Provide medical advice

• Prescribe medication if clinically appropriate

• Arrange referrals if necessary

• Provide medical certifications as needed

Hola Health provides access to consultations for a variety of healthcare needs. Based on a clinical review, a medical practitioner may provide advice or management options and Hola Health does not prescribe antibiotics. Telehealth may not be appropriate for serious symptoms or crises that necessitate physical evaluation.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are vital medications that must be used exactly as prescribed. Misuse of antibiotics, such as missed doses or premature discontinuation of management, may reduce their effectiveness and contribute to antibiotic resistance. If you are unclear how to take your antibiotics or have any troubling symptoms, see a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Following adequate medical guidance promotes safe and successful therapy.

Stats

• Do not stop or change your antibiotic without medical advice. Take it according to the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist or medicine information.  

• Do not assume every antibiotic has the same food and drink restrictions. Some antibiotics can be taken with food, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach or separated from certain foods or supplements.  

• Alcohol can interact with some antibiotics. Healthdirect specifically identifies antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole and isoniazid as medicines that can cause unpleasant effects when combined with alcohol.  

• Some antibiotics interact with dairy products, minerals or supplements. For example, calcium-containing foods or drinks can reduce absorption of some antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, while iron and zinc supplements can interact with doxycycline.  

• Do not take antibiotics with other medicines, vitamins or herbal products without checking for interactions. Your pharmacist or doctor can check whether your medicines are safe to use together.  

• Antibiotics can cause side effects, including diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea for some people, but ask your doctor or pharmacist whether they are appropriate for you.  

• Seek urgent medical attention for signs of a serious allergic reaction. Hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or other symptoms of anaphylaxis require emergency medical attention.