The intake of antibiotic in old age should start with a low dose. The overdose or inappropriate use of antibiotic may results in hazardous situation. Since, at old age, the kidneys might not be able to eliminate the antibiotics in an efficient way. It increases the chances of side effects and a sometimes kidney becomes functionless producing life threatening conditions.

At old age, people usually take various medications to sustain a healthy life. Hence drug interactions are another risk in older patients.

It' s very difficult for elderly people to follow a complicated antibiotic regimen. So, the other members of family or the nurse should help elderly people in taking the prescribed antibiotic.