Learn About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infection caused by bacteria.
Doctors prescribe different antibiotics for different bacteria.

It is important to take the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if you seem to be better, so that the infection clears up completely. If you do not complete the course, bacteria may continue to grow and develop resistance to the medicine. Stronger or different antibiotics are then needed to kill them.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses that cause flu and colds.
Viral infections generally resolve on their own.

Antibiotics are very effective if you give
• the right dose
• to the right person
• at the right time
• for the right length of time

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Using all medicines safely

Use the medicine only for the person whose name is on the label.

Read any information which comes with the medicine.

Double check the label before giving medicine.

Do not call children’s medicines sweets or lollies.

A teaspoon is not the same measure as a 5 ml medicine spoon.

Ask your Pharmacist about disposing of unwanted medicines.

Don’t give aspirin to children under 12yrs.
Avoid giving aspirin during a viral illness to under 19’s unless supervised by a GP.

Storing medicines safely

Store medicines
• in a cool dry place, unless label instructions are different
• ideally in a locked cupboard otherwise out of the sight and reach of children
• in their original container

Check that the cap is tightly screwed on.
To prevent accidental poisoning
• Never store medicines in a food or drink container
• Never dispose of medicines in the rubbish

Taking Antibiotic Medicines

Read the label every time you give/take the medicine.
Double check
• who the medicine is for
• when to use it
• how much to use
• how to use it
• how long to use it for

Shake liquid medicine well before each dose.
Use a proper medicine measure
• a dropper or syringe for a baby
• a cylindrical dosing spoon for a child
• a measuring spoon or medicine measure for an adult

Use a different measure for each person to prevent cross-infection and wash it after use.

To check a child resistant lid, twist back one turn after closing.

Use the medicine only for the person whose name is on the label.

It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if the infection seems to get better.

Ask your Pharmacist to...

• advise on disposing of unwanted/expired medicines
• tell you anything you want to know about medicines
• advise about any reactions to medicines you experience
• advise on the safe storage of your family’s medicines
• supply a proper medicine measure if required