How to take your Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor to be taken at specified regular intervals for a certain number of days. This keeps the right amount of medicine in your bloodstream to cure the infection and minimises the risk of having side-effects.
Antibiotics come in many different forms including tablets, capsules, syrup, drops, lotions or ointments. Usually you can take them at home having first carefully read the patient information leaflet and by following the directions. Sometimes they are given intravenously in hospital.
Usually, antibiotics start to have an effect within a few hours. However:
- You should never take antibiotics without a prescription or use ones prescribed from a previous illness. Not only could these be the wrong kind of antibiotic for your infection, they may not work and can also cause resistance
- It is important to follow the instructions on the medicine label or patient information leaflet that came with your medicine. For example, some medicines should be taken before food, while others should be taken with or after food
- It is important to complete the whole course and not miss out doses. This will help prevent the infection returning and avoid resistance
If you have any other health issues or underlying conditions, it is important to discuss these with your doctor before starting your antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to anything, pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are taking any other medicines – including herbal remedies, non-prescription medicines, or the contraceptive pill.
The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.
