Antibiotics (selected)
How antibiotic medicines are used in the UK — bacterial infections, resistance, side effects, and finishing the course as directed.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria or stop them growing. In the UK they are prescribed for bacterial infections such as some chest, ear, urine, skin, or throat infections when a clinician thinks bacteria are the cause. They do not treat viral illnesses like most colds and coughs; unnecessary use increases side effects and antibiotic resistance.
General UK information only — your GP, pharmacist, or specialist can personalise advice and check interactions with your prescriptions.
Quick answers
Short points people often scan before reading the full hub or speaking to a clinician.
What are they used for?
Confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infections. Your GP decides from symptoms, examination, and sometimes tests.
Common types
This hub includes Amoxicillin — a widely used penicillin-type antibiotic. Many other classes exist for different infections and resistance patterns.
Do you need a full course?
Usually you complete the prescribed number of days unless your prescriber tells you to stop early because of a serious reaction. Stopping halfway when still needed can allow infection to return.
Common side effects
Nausea, diarrhoea, rash, and thrush can occur. True allergy (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty) is a medical emergency — seek urgent care.
What are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the UK?
Amoxicillin is one of the most recognised penicillin antibiotics for suitable infections. Macrolides, Trimethoprim, and others are chosen when guidelines or allergies require a different option.
Never use leftover tablets or someone else’s prescription — the wrong antibiotic or dose can harm you and worsen resistance.
What is the safest antibiotic?
The safest antibiotic is the one that treats your specific infection, matches allergy history, and interacts safely with your other medicines. Your GP or pharmacist checks this.
Penicillin allergy must be clearly recorded; some people receive alternative classes under guidance.
Can you stop antibiotics early if you feel better?
Sometimes a short course is planned; for other infections stopping too soon can leave bacteria alive and encourage resistance. Follow the label unless your prescriber advises otherwise.
If you develop a severe rash, swelling, or breathing problems after a dose, seek urgent medical help and mention the antibiotic.
Medicines in this category
Open a guide for uses, side effects, interactions, and safety topics. Your prescriber chooses what is appropriate for you.
- Amoxicillin(amoxicillin)
Amoxicillin: antibiotic uses, side effects, and allergy awareness. UK patient information — complete the course as your prescriber advises unless told otherwise.
- Cefalexin(cefalexin)
Cefalexin UK: cephalosporin capsule or liquid for skin and UTI infections, penicillin allergy cross-reactivity — general information.
- Clarithromycin(clarithromycin)
Clarithromycin UK: macrolide antibiotic, QT and statin interactions, H. pylori triple therapy — general information.
- Doxycycline(doxycycline)
Doxycycline UK: tetracycline antibiotic, photosensitivity, oesophagus irritation, pill interactions — general information.
- Nitrofurantoin(nitrofurantoin)
Nitrofurantoin UK: antibiotic for simple UTIs, lung side effects rare, take with food — general information.
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin(phenoxymethylpenicillin)
Phenoxymethylpenicillin UK: oral penicillin V for strep throat and some infections, allergy, timing — general information.
- Trimethoprim(trimethoprim)
Trimethoprim UK: UTI antibiotic, potassium and methotrexate interactions — general information.
More popular questions
Extra topics people ask about in search and in pharmacy consultations — check with your GP or pharmacist for advice tailored to you.
- Why won’t my GP give antibiotics for a cold?
- Colds are usually viral; antibiotics do not speed recovery and increase side effects and resistance. Your GP may suggest self-care, review if symptoms last longer than expected, or prescribe if a bacterial complication develops.
- Should I always finish my antibiotic course?
- Usually yes — complete the course your prescriber gave unless they tell you to stop early (for example because of a serious side effect). If unsure, contact your practice.
- Can I drink alcohol on amoxicillin?
- Moderate alcohol is not usually prohibited with Amoxicillin, but it can make you feel worse if you are unwell. Some other antibiotics have strict alcohol bans — always read your leaflet.
- What is antibiotic resistance?
- Bacteria can adapt so medicines stop working. Taking antibiotics only when needed, exactly as prescribed, helps slow this problem.