Under-the-counter antibiotics: what to know

Antibiotics act against particular bacterial infections; they do not treat most viral illnesses. Similar symptoms can come from conditions needing different care, such as acute bronchitis, conjunctivitis, or cellulitis. The wrong drug, strength, timing, or duration may fail to clear an infection, delay diagnosis, or cause side effects and allergic reactions. Sharing leftover tablets or buying loose medicine also makes it harder to know what was taken and whether an interaction is possible. Some infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, need confidential testing and treatment of partners rather than an improvised course.

Book a clinician or pharmacist assessment and describe when symptoms began, how they changed, your allergies, current medicines, pregnancy possibility, and recent travel or exposure. Do not use someone else’s prescription or save tablets for later. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and ask what to do if you miss a dose or develop a reaction. Keep the packaging and seek advice before combining it with other medicines. Supportive care may be more appropriate when the illness is viral.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, faintness, severe weakness, confusion, or a widespread blistering rash after taking an antibiotic. Prompt assessment is needed for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus, high fever, dehydration, or worsening illness. Genital discharge, pelvic or testicular pain, or a persistent eye infection needs a clinician-led assessment and may require specific testing.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest a bacterial infection, whether testing is needed, what treatment is appropriate, and how soon improvement should be expected. Check the dose, interactions, side effects, missed-dose advice, and whether anyone else needs assessment.