Antibiotics: when they help and when they can do harm

Why antibiotics are not always the answer

Antibiotics treat certain infections caused by bacteria. They do not work on viruses. The decision depends on the symptoms, examination, duration of the disease, risks and sometimes laboratory findings.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms no longer respond to drugs. Then common infections can become more difficult to treat.

Safe to use

If an antibiotic is prescribed, follow the dose and duration given. For a missed dose, check the instructions or ask the pharmacist. Do not save leftovers for the next illness and do not take medicine intended for another person.

• report known allergies
• ask about possible interactions with other medications
• contact us if the condition worsens or a serious reaction occurs

What else helps

Vaccination, hand hygiene, safe food preparation and responsible use of medicines reduce the number of infections and the need for antibiotics.

Symptoms alone do not select an antibiotic

Similar symptoms can have different causes, and antibiotics act on particular bacterial infections rather than viruses. The colour of mucus, severity of cough or duration of fever alone does not determine whether a medicine is needed. Assessment may include examination, the course of illness and testing where appropriate.

Taking leftovers from an earlier prescription can delay an accurate diagnosis, cause adverse effects and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. An antibiotic prescribed for someone else is not safe for you, even when the symptoms appear similar.

Use a prescribed antibiotic responsibly

When an antibiotic is prescribed, follow the exact directions for dose, interval and duration. Ask what to do after a missed dose, which medicines may interact and which adverse effects require contact. Do not shorten or extend treatment without advice.

Seek immediate help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, collapse or another possible severe allergic reaction. Discuss less severe adverse effects with a doctor or pharmacist, and never share leftover medicine.

Questions for a doctor or pharmacist

Ask about the likely cause and what is expected without an antibiotic. When one is prescribed, confirm exactly how to take it, possible interactions, common adverse effects and warning signs that require immediate help.

If the condition does not improve within the expected time or worsens, contact the healthcare service again. Do not add another antibiotic yourself or use medicine from an unreliable source.

• why an antibiotic is needed
• how long the prescribed course lasts
• what to do after a missed dose
• how to dispose of leftovers safely