Effective use of antibiotics

On receipt of prescriptions for antibiotics, pharmacists or experienced pharmacy team members should aim to ask the patient three key questions: 

1. What has the antibiotic been prescribed for? This will help ensure appropriateness. Before reconstituting liquid antibiotics, it is also worth checking with the patient whether the course is to start immediately or if it is a delayed prescription, as some may not realise the short expiry once reconstituted. 
2. Are there any known allergies? This information is also available through Summary Care Records. Record allergies on the patient medication record system (PMR)
3. Have they had their flu vaccination? This is applicable if it's during the autumn/winter season (from September) and they are in an at-risk group.

Dispensing antibiotics

When handing over dispensed antibiotics, the following key messages should be provided
to the patient:   

• To take their medicine as prescribed (state dose, frequency and duration)
• Not to share antibiotics with others or reuse them after the stated duration
• Extra self care information for management of their particular infection
• Advice on alcohol intake with the antibiotics. Contrary to popular belief, while it is sensible to avoid drinking alcohol when feeling unwell or taking medication, only metronidazole and tinidazole require complete abstinence from alcohol during the course and for 48 hours (metronidazole) and 72 hours (tinidazole) after completion
• Encourage patients to ask questions or share concerns about their antibiotic prescriptions.

Boosting antibiotic awareness

Posters, leaflets, quizzes and videos are available to help pharmacy teams provide regular education and promotion of antibiotic awareness within the pharmacy, especially during the winter months. 

European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) is a Europe-wide initiative held each year on 18 November. In 2015, the WHO launched World Antibiotic Awareness Week to coincide with EAAD and extend awareness activities. Educational materials and resources for healthcare professionals and members of the public that can be used as part of a health promotion campaign in store are available from PHE.

Become an antibiotic guardian

The Antibiotic Guardian campaign calls on everyone in the UK to become antibiotic guardians by selecting a pledge about how we will make better use of antibiotics and help save this vital medicine from becoming obsolete. You can choose your pledge and encourage your customers to do the same at antibioticguardian.com. You can also join the conversation via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #AntibioticGuardian.