I was wondering if I have a really bad cold that involves a really bad cough that is due to mucus build-up, is it safe to take amoxicillin that wasn't prescribed to me but could have been prescribed for the same strain of sickness.
2006-12-19 12:55:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
You should NEVER take medication not prescribed to you and colds are usually caused by a virus, not bacteria so antibiotic would be useless any way.
If you think a secondary bacterial infection has set in, see your doctor. Best to use antibiotics, though, only when absolutely necessary. Antibiotics have been and are overused and they are too many resistant bacteria strains out there because of that.
2006-12-19 12:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by Calina 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A cold is not cured by anitbiotics, which amoxicillin is. Misuse of antibiotics is part of the reason why there are so many "super infections" out there. If you have a cold with mucus build up, try an over the counter remedy. If you need to get the mucus out of your lungs, get something with an expectorant (like Robitussin DM). If the mucus is in your nose/facial area, then get something with an antihistamine (benedryl, tylenol cough and cold). Only a doctor can determine if you need an antibiotic, don't decide for yourself.
2006-12-19 13:01:12 · answer #2 · answered by Rairia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!
First of all, amoxicillin is an antibiotic. Whomever it was originally perscribed for should have taken all of it for their course of therapy, therefore none should be left over.
Second, if you do have part of a perscription that belongs to someone else, you do not have enough for a full course of treatment. Taking in for too short a time is likely to not completely eliminate whatever you have, and it will come back in a more antibiotic form.
2006-12-19 13:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by Joe B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's just a cold than your amoxicillin won't help. Even having mucus doesn't indicate that you have an infection. Antibiotics don't work on viral infections. Best to go to your doctor to make sure of a diagnosis.
2006-12-19 13:01:01 · answer #4 · answered by cameron lally cscs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know you have the same illness? Did you actually see a doctor? Everybody is different and your body reacts differently to medicine than someone else. Besides, amoxicillin isn't usually prescribed for a COLD!! It's for infections.
2006-12-19 12:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by yogie bear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No and hell no! Are you nuts?
If it's a cold or a flu, amoxicillin is not going to do a thing to cure it.
Take lots of fluids, drink hot tea, maybe try Mucinex to thin out the mucus. And stay home, we don't need to get your nasty bugs.
2006-12-19 12:58:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cold is caused by a virus, so is the flu, and antibiotics do nothing against viruses. Doctors are supposed to avoid prescribing antibiotics lightly, but they are the worst offenders in the whole business - they hand antibiotics out like candy, to shut people up, to avoid being sued in case the patient also has a bacterial infection....
The antibiotic will do nothing for a cold, and will deplete your system of beneficial bacteria, giving room to things that are not beneficial.
2006-12-19 13:07:03 · answer #7 · answered by sonyack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Especially if you have never taken amoxiciliin, it can be dangerous. You could be allergic to the medication. Allergies to this are common. My husband and son both are allergic---even to the point that their throat feels like it is closing up. Be safe
2006-12-19 12:57:46 · answer #8 · answered by donnabellekc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya if ur sick why would u go to the store for a cold when u could take same thing at home just dont overdose stupid friends.
2006-12-19 13:04:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to transfer medication from one person to another, and no, it is not wise, or safe.
2006-12-19 12:58:09 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋