Patient information guide
Understanding Your Infection and Antibiotics
Know what you are taking, and Why
A plain English guide to the infections and medicines most often treated with antibiotics in the UK. Learn what to expect, which Side Effects are normal, and the warning signs that mean you should get help.
- antibiotics explained
- 18
- antibiotics explained
- the national rules for choosing antibiotics
- UK Infection Treatment Guidance
- the national rules for choosing antibiotics
- keeps antibiotics working
- Careful use
- keeps antibiotics working
Where would you like to start?
Pick a topic below, or search for your antibiotic further down the page.
Find by InfectionSee which infections usually need antibiotics and which get better on their own.Treatment PlanEnter your infection, allergy and symptoms for a UK guidance plan.Symptom DiaryLog how you feel each day and share it with your doctor or pharmacist.Side EffectsRecord when a side effect starts and stops, and see it on a timeline.SepsisSepsis is a medical emergency. Learn the signs and when to call 999.Consultation NotesKeep what you were prescribed, and for how long, in one place.Questions & AnswersPlain English answers to the questions patients ask most.Penicillin AllergyA side effect is not an allergy. Learn the difference.Pharmacy FirstSeven conditions your pharmacist can treat without a doctor's appointment.Using Antibiotics CarefullyWhy responsible use protects these medicines for everyone.References & ResourcesClickable official sources, TARGET leaflets and patient charities.
Search your antibiotic
Type the medicine name on your packet, or your infection.
Penicillins
4Amoxicillin
Chest infectionsEar infectionsSinus infections
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V)
Sore throat / tonsillitisSkin infectionsPreventing infection after spleen removal
Flucloxacillin
Skin and soft tissue infections such as cellulitisInfected woundsBoils
Co-amoxiclav
Severe or resistant chest infectionsAnimal or human bitesComplicated sinus infections