What should you know about OTC oral antibiotics?

Antibiotics act against bacteria, not every cause of cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, or eye irritation. The correct drug depends on the suspected site of infection, the organism, allergies, other medicines, and your health history. Conditions such as acute bronchitis may not need an antibiotic, while cellulitis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, brucellosis, giardiasis, or Helicobacter pylori infection require a clinician-led plan.

Arrange a medical assessment rather than using a leftover supply, someone else’s prescription, or medicine bought without appropriate advice. Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, kidney or liver problems, and every medicine or supplement you take. If prescribed, follow the label exactly, use the full instructed course, and do not share or save doses. Ask what side effects to expect and what to do if you vomit after a dose.

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse, or a rapidly spreading rash after a dose. Contact a clinician promptly for severe or persistent diarrhoea, worsening infection symptoms, repeated vomiting, or no improvement within the timeframe you were given. A new fever with confusion, severe pain, or marked weakness also needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether the illness is bacterial, whether testing is needed, why this antibiotic was selected, how to take it, and which side effects require immediate help.