The elderly are at high risk of bacterial infections. Using antibiotics to treat the elderly is a big challenge. Because physiological characteristics and some aging factors can affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, using antibiotics properly and following the doctor's instructions helps to bring high efficiency in treating diseases and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in the elderly.

All medications have side effects, including antibiotics. They occur as an unwanted reaction during treatment. Antibiotic side effects can range from mild allergic reactions to serious and debilitating side effects. When used appropriately under the guidance of a physician, most antibiotics are relatively safe with few side effects.