Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection. Effective antibiotics are also needed for people who are at high risk for developing infections.

Why do you need a prescription for antibiotics?

Why Do You Need a Prescription For Oral Antibiotics? Overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Taking oral antibiotics unnecessarily can cause harm to people and encourage bacteria to mutate into “super” bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This is why oral antibiotics are prescribed by medical professionals.

What are antibiotics typically prescribed for?

Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to treat infections caused by some germs (bacteria and certain parasites). They do not work against infections that are caused by viruses - for example, the common cold or flu.