Can I take antibiotics on my own?
No, you should not take antibiotics on your own without a doctor’s advice. Different antibiotics target different types of bacteria, so that the wrong antibiotic may be ineffective. Taking the wrong drug, dose, or duration can lead to treatment failure, recurrence, side effects such as diarrhoea, allergic reactions, or stomach upset, and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. Only a healthcare professional can determine if antibiotics are needed and choose the right one for your specific infection.