Anpheros Search · Condition

Poisoning by antibiotics

Also known as: Harmful effects of drugs, medicaments or biological substances, not elsewhere classified

General information only. Anpheros does not diagnose and does not recommend treatment. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your situation. In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

In short

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals by killing the bacteria or making it hard for them to grow and multiply. These medicines can be taken orally, topically, or through an injection or intravenously. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed will not help, and they do not work on viral infections. Side effects of antibiotics can include rash, nausea, diarrhea, yeast infections, severe allergic reactions, and antibiotic resistance.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.

Codes

ICD-10: T36
ICD-11: NE60 Harmful effects of drugs, medicaments or biological substances, not elsewhere classified

Description

What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
Antibiotics can be taken in different ways:
Orally (by mouth). This could be pills, capsules, or liquids.
Topically. This might be a cream, spray, or ointment that you put on your skin. It could also be eye ointment, eye drops, or ear drops.
Through an injection or intravenously (IV). This is usually for more serious infections.
What do antibiotics treat?
Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. coli.
You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Taking antibiotics when they're not needed won't help you, and they can have side effects. Your health care provider can decide the best treatment for you when you're sick. Don't ask your provider to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
Do antibiotics treat viral infections?
Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. For example, you shouldn't take antibiotics for:
Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
Most sore throats (except strep throat)
Flu
Most cases of bronchitis
What are the side effects of antibiotics?
The side effects of antibiotics range from minor to very severe. Some of the common side effects include:
Rash
Nausea
Diarrhea
Yeast infections
More serious side effects can include:
C. diff infections, which cause diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and sometimes even death
Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions
Antibiotic resistance infections
Call your health care provider if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.
Why is it important to take antibiotics only when they're needed?
You should only take antibiotics when they are needed because they can cause side effects and can contribute to Antibiotic resistance infections. Antibiotic resistance happens when the bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic. This means that the bacteria continue to grow.
How do I use antibiotics correctly?
When you take antibiotics, it is important that you take them responsibly:
Always follow the directions carefully. Finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you.
Don't save your antibiotics for later.
Don't share your antibiotic with others.
Don't take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

Next to it in ICD-10

Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.

External resources

Questions

What is the ICD-10 code for Poisoning by antibiotics?

T36 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).

What is the ICD-11 code for Poisoning by antibiotics?

NE60: Harmful effects of drugs, medicaments or biological substances, not elsewhere classified (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).

Sources and attribution

Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).

Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →

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In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number). Do not delay seeking medical help because of something you read here.