Viral infections such as influenza, colds, and mononucleosis do not improve with treatment by penicillin or other antibiotics. Bacteria are the second type of the major infectious agents. Most bacterial infections are easily treated. Common bacterial infections such as bronchitis and gastroenteritis often occur during or after a viral infection due to the body's weakened condition. These and many other types of infections such as bladder infections, sexually transmitted diseases, pink eye, boils, and ear infections often require treatment with an antibiotic.
Antibiotics are medicines used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria.
There are many different types of antibiotics and each can be used to treat a different kind of infection. The clinician in charge of your care can best determine if you need an antibiotic and which type is best for you. The antibiotic prescribed by your clinician is for your present infection only. It is very important to follow the directions for the medication prescribed. This is necessary to keep the right amount of the medication in the bloodstream.