Antibiotics: dos and don’ts

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral ones like common colds or flu. Misuse leads to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat.

Do

• Take exactly as prescribed and complete the full course.
• Ask your pharmacist about interactions and side effects.
• Return for review if you’re not improving.

Don’t

• Share antibiotics or keep leftovers.
• Stop early because you feel better.
• Use antibiotics for colds unless advised by a clinician.