To treat an infected hemorrhoid or infected tissue produced by a hemorrhoid removal treatment, an antibiotic such as doxycycline (Doxteric) is utilized. Cefepime (Maxipime) and imipenem are antibiotics used to treat peritonitis (Primaxin). Piperacillin/tazobactam (Zerbaxa) is also used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot cure viral infections such as colds or the flu but they can help stop the spread of these viruses to others through coughs or sneezes. Antibiotics can also kill off small amounts of bacteria that enter your body with open wounds or cuts on your skin, especially if those wounds are exposed to the outside environment without any protection. Health care providers may prescribe antibiotics when treating people with bronchitis, who have weakened immune systems, or when there is a risk of infection spreading to other parts of the body. Using antibiotics inappropriately can lead to development of drug-resistant bacteria, which would then be harder for them to treat in future. Bacteria will always find a way to survive, even if you take all possible precautions, so keeping track of what's been prescribed and not reused tools or stored incorrectly can help prevent resistance from developing.