One of the greatest achievements in medicine in the 20th century is the discovery of antibiotics as well as their application. Since the introduction of penicillin into clinical practice in the early 40's, many branches of medicine have progressed thanks to the antibiotics that have become the most frequently prescribed, sold and used drugs all over the world. However, although being undoubtedly useful they also have negative effects. It was belived that bacetrial infections would ulitametly be eradicated but over time they have been found to be bacteria of microorganisms that are able to resist antibiotic activity. That bacterial ability is called resistance. Antibiotics are not only used to cure people but also animals. Their consumption for treatment and prevention of diseases increases daily, which has a negative effect on human health. Almost 50% out of the total number of antiobiotics produces in the world is used to prevent diseases or treat animals intended for human consumption. Excessive use of antibiotics is the most important reason for the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and is one of the key global-public health problems of today and from time to time more and more becteria resistant to one or more antibiotics are being discovered. Due to the irrational use of antibiotics there has been an increase in unwanted effects of antimicrobial therapy, which include: side effects of antibiotics, increased antimcrobial resistance, increased susceptibility to secondary infections and increased treatment cost. The key to solving the problem of antimicrobial resitance is to promote the knowledge about the potential harm of the unjustified use of antibiotics, both with health professionals and general public. Key words: antibiotics, resistance, drugs, nurse, bacteria