Advice and resources : Taking antibiotics safely

Use antibiotics correctly

Using antibiotics the wrong way can cause some bacteria to be become resistant, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

This means the antibiotics are no longer effective and this can lead to more serious infections and complications, both for yourself and others.

Please remember:

• antibiotics won’t work in the case of a cold or the flu
• only take them when your healthcare professional advises them
• follow your health professional’s advice on when and how to take antibiotics
• never use leftover antibiotics - take leftover antibiotics to your pharmacy for safe disposal

Keep antibiotics working

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has videos explaining why we all need to be careful when using antibiotics.

Antibiotics won't help with colds or flu because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If in doubt, go to your local pharmacy for advice.

• Watch the full 'Keep antibiotics working' playlist on the UKHSA YouTube channel

Don't save antibiotics for later

Feeling sick? Think twice before searching for leftover antibiotics and never save them for later, old antibiotics don’t work. Only take them exactly as your GP, nurse or pharmacist tells you.

Take antibiotics as directed

Been prescribed antibiotics? Make sure you take the right dose at the right time as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.