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Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance

Cartoon depiction of a pill called Andi Biotic with a speech bubble saying how to keep antibiotics working

Use this page to learn what antibiotics are and when they should be used, as well as why they do not work for many common illnesses like colds and flu.

Learn what antimicrobial resistance is, why it is a growing concern, and what we can all do to ensure medicines continue to work for us in the future.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines that help treat or prevent some bacterial infections.

They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from spreading.

Antibiotics do not work for all infections.

  • Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without antibiotics
  • Antibiotics do not work for infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs because these are caused by viruses

Your local pharmacy can help you manage minor illnesses at home. You can find out more on our Pharmacy services page.

You can find out more information about antibiotics on the NHS website.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance is when germs change so medicines no longer work well against them.

These germs can be:

  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • fungi
  • parasites

When medicines stop working:

  • illnesses can spread more easily
  • people can become very unwell
  • infections can be harder to treat

One big reason this happens is because medicines like antibiotics are used too often, or when they are not needed.

This is an important problem for people in the UK and around the world.

You can learn more on the NHS website.

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week

Every year, from 18 to 24 November, there is a World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.

During this week:

  • people across the world spread important messages about antimicrobial resistance
  • people learn why medicines like antibiotics must be used carefully and why this is important for everyone

Everyone can help by becoming an Antibiotic Guardian and making a promise to use antibiotics the right way.

Why is this also important for children?

Children get infections more easily than adults. Antibiotics are very important when a child has a serious bacterial infection, but antibiotics are not needed for many common illnesses like colds, and most coughs and sore throats.

The more antibiotics are used when they are not needed, the more likely they are to not work when we really need them.

Antibiotics can cause side effects like feeling sick or having diarrhoea. Using antibiotics in young children has also been linked to an increased risk for problems later in life, such as allergies or weight gain.

This is why antibiotics should only be used when a doctor or nurse says they are needed.

More information can be found on the Just One Norfolk website.

Questions about antibiotics

Antibiotics may be given if an infection:

  • will not get better on its own
  • could spread to other people
  • could take too long to go without treatment
  • could cause serious problems

Only a doctor, nurse or another trained healthcare professional can decide if antibiotics are needed. It is important to follow their advice.

Take your doctor’s advice. Remember that antibiotics won’t help most mild illnesses.

Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can stop them working for you in the future.

Antibiotics can come as:

  • Injections – these are usually for more serious infections.
  • Tablets, capsules or liquids – these can be used to treat most types of infections
  • Creams, lotions, sprays and drops – these are often used to treat skin infections and eye or ear infections

No. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not kill viruses.

Yes, some people get mild side effects such as:

  • feeling sick
  • being sick
  • tummy pain
  • diarrhoea

These usually go after the medicine is finished.

Serious side effects are rare.

Some people can have an allergic reaction to antibiotics. In very rare cases this can lead to a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a medical emergency.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you have a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you’re wheezing
  • you have tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need urgent treatment in hospital.

More information about side effects of antibiotics can be found on the NHS website and in the NHS medicines guides.

If you forget a dose:

  • check the leaflet that came with your medicine to find out what to do
  • Ask a pharmacist or GP if you are not sure

Usually:

  • take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take as normal
  • if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and then continue to take as normal
  • do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one

The NHS website contains medicines guides. These include advice about missed doses.

There’s an increased chance of side effects if you take two doses closer together than recommended.

Taking one extra dose is unlikely to cause serious harm. But it will increase your chance of getting side effects, like pain in your stomach, diarrhoea, and feeling or being sick.

If you take more than one extra dose, are worried, or feel very unwell: speak to your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible.

Do not keep them after the prescribed period

If you have been given more doses than you were prescribed, take them to a pharmacy, and they will dispose of them safely.

Learn more about how to reduce medicines waste and what to do with leftover medicines and inhalers.

You can help by:

  • washing hands often
  • cleaning surfaces
  • using tissues when you cough or sneeze
  • keeping vaccinations up to date

You can find vaccination information on the NHS website.