Does a general practice perform antibiotic treatment?

The clinician considers your symptoms, examination findings, medical history, allergies, recent medicines, and how the illness is changing. Antibiotics treat susceptible bacteria; they do not treat viral colds or flu. The medicine, dose, and course depend on the suspected infection and your circumstances. Sometimes a sample is collected, or observation and supportive care are safer while the diagnosis becomes clearer. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and do not share leftover medicine with another person.

Tell the practice about a previous antibiotic reaction, pregnancy, kidney or liver problems, and all medicines or supplements you use. Follow the label and ask what to do if you miss a dose or cannot keep the medicine down. Contact the practice if symptoms are not improving as expected or are getting worse. Do not save unfinished antibiotics for a later illness unless a clinician specifically tells you to.

Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; collapse; or a rapidly spreading rash after taking an antibiotic. Seek prompt medical advice for severe or persistent diarrhoea, blood in stool, confusion, worsening pain, or signs of a serious infection such as marked weakness or breathing difficulty.

Ask what infection is being treated, how to take the medicine, which side effects matter, when improvement should begin, and what follow-up is needed.