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Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading. But they do not work for everything.

Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics.

Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs.

Antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat:

  • chest infections
  • ear infections in children
  • sore throats

When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor's advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.

When antibiotics are needed

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that:

  • are unlikely to clear up without antibiotics
  • could take too long to clear without treatment
  • carry a risk of more serious complications
  • could infect others

You may still be infectious after starting a course of antibiotics. Depending on the infection and how it's treated, it can take between 48 hours and 14 days to stop being infectious. Ask a GP or pharmacist for advice.

People at a high risk of infection may also be given antibiotics as a precaution, known as antibiotic prophylaxis.

Read more about when antibiotics are used and why antibiotics are not routinely used to treat infections.

How to take antibiotics

Take antibiotics as directed on the packet or the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine, or as instructed by your GP or pharmacist.

Antibiotics can come as:

  • tablets, capsules or a liquid that you drink – these can be used to treat most types of mild to moderate infections in the body
  • creams, lotions, sprays and drops – these are often used to treat skin infections and eye or ear infections
  • injections – these can be given as an injection or through a drip directly into the blood or muscle, and are used for more serious infections

Missing a dose of antibiotics

If you forget to take a dose of your antibiotics, check the patient information leaflet that came with your medicine to find out what to do. If you're not sure, speak to a pharmacist or a GP.

In most cases, you can take the dose you missed as soon as you remember and then continue to take your course of antibiotics as normal.

But if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Accidentally taking an extra dose

There's an increased risk of side effects if you take 2 doses closer together than recommended.

Accidentally taking 1 extra dose of your antibiotic is unlikely to cause you any serious harm.

But it will increase your chances of getting side effects, such as pain in your stomach, diarrhoea, and feeling or being sick.

If you accidentally take more than 1 extra dose of your antibiotic, are worried or you get severe side effects, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible.

Side effects of antibiotics

As with any medicine, antibiotics can cause side effects. Most antibiotics do not cause problems if they're used properly and serious side effects are rare.

The common side effects include:

  • being sick
  • feeling sick
  • bloating and indigestion
  • diarrhoea

Some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and another type of antibiotic called cephalosporins.

In very rare cases, this can lead to a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is a medical emergency.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Read more about the side effects of antibiotics.

Considerations and interactions

Some antibiotics are not suitable for people with certain medical problems, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare professional if you're pregnant or breastfeeding so they can prescribe the most suitable antibiotic for you.

Only ever take antibiotics prescribed for you – never "borrow" them from a friend or family member.

Some antibiotics do not mix well with other medicines, such as the contraceptive pill and alcohol.

Read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine carefully and discuss any concerns with your pharmacist or GP.

Read more about how antibiotics interact with other medicines.

Types of antibiotics

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but most of them can be classified into 6 groups.

  • Penicillins (such as penicillin, amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, flucloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin) – widely used to treat a variety of infections, including skin infections, chest infections and urinary tract infections
  • Cephalosporins (such as cefalexin) – used to treat a wide range of infections, but some are also effective for treating more serious infections, such as sepsis and meningitis
  • Aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin and tobramycin) – tend to only be used in hospital to treat very serious illnesses such as sepsis, as they can cause serious side effects, including hearing loss and kidney damage; they're usually given by injection, but may be given as drops for some ear or eye infections
  • Tetracyclines (such as tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline) – can be used to treat a wide range of infections, but are commonly used to treat acne and a skin condition called rosacea
  • Macrolides (such as azithromycin, erythromycin and clarithromycin) – can be particularly useful for treating lung and chest infections, or as an alternative for people with a penicillin allergy, or to treat penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria
  • Fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) – are broad-spectrum antibiotics that were once used to treat a wide range of infections, especially respiratory and urinary tract infections; these antibiotics are no longer used routinely because of the risk of serious side effects

Other antibiotics include chloramphenicol (used for eye and ear infections), fusidic acid (used for skin and eye infections), and nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim (used for urinary tract infections).

Last Reviewed
11 April 2025
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Donna Seymour

Lovely little pharmacy ( looking forward to seeing the end result of recent work they’ve been having done).
Definitely a godsend during the pandemic for me and ever since.


Vicky Callan

Lovely helpful staff and being that I am a frequent flyer they address me by my first name which is a nice little touch.
Best Pharmacy in Farnborough.
Highly reccomend


Bali Gill

I have been going to the pharmacy for many years now, the service is incredibly efficient, all the staff are knowledgeable and very professional. Year on year the standards have not dropped and remain consistently excellent.


Trapz 13th

Very good customer service, I think her name was sophie very polite and helped with what i needed.


Stephen Horne

Now with 24/7 dispensing medication service


Tristan Findley

The best little pharmacy in the area! Run by some very lovely people who are very kind and understanding, and always ready to give you a little bit of sympathy if you're under the weather, as well as recommend things for you to help you feel better!


Happ Sandhu

Great community Pharmacy with friendly and knowledgeable team ready to help! Love the new tech!


Aryan Dass

Great pharmacy, has everything you need, great customer service, friendly faces and very reliable.


Mike Bowen

Absolutely brilliant place always willing to make time to talk and assist in any way they can.


Paul Williamson

Always polite and helpful a pleasure to deal with regards Paul Williamson


Harry Samuel Calver

They all ways ggo that extra mile to help there customers 


Andrew Gardner

Always fast friendly efficient service. Thank you.


Karen Turner

Great pharmacy helpful kind and very competent


John Brereton

Very nice staff


Andy Lonnen

Very polite and helpful. Thanks!


JJ Lake

Always friendly and helpful.


Indi Gill

Fast and efficient service


Sya Dhoman

Very friendly staff


Sattie Dass

If you're looking for a pharmacy that truly cares about its customers, look no further than North Camp Pharmacy. I have been a loyal customer for 10 years now, and I am continually impressed by the level of service and care that the staff provides.

Graham Wishart

Attended for flu and covid vaccinations. Very impressed with smart pharmacy. Efficient delivery of vaccinations 100% on time, no waiting. Excellent

Abdulrasheed Maryam

I've been here for a couple of times and the customer service I always received was top- notch.

Green Tree

I have been getting my prescriptions from North camp pharmacy for about 3 months.
Teresa and Jorga are very helpful & cheerful always Treating me with dignity and respect.
The pharmacy is very professional & clean.
Teresa took time to ask me if my medication is working,she was very interested in my welfare,my life has improved so much since I take my meds
Thank you North camp for your
Support
Kindest regards Al

Sue Levett

Prescriptions ready very quickly. I use the PS24 collection box.such a good idea!


Anna Berry-Martin

Everyone in this pharmacy are so professional and caring. Always so helpful and available to give advice if needed. Feel very lucky we have North Camp pharmacy in our area.


George Cato

YOU ARE ARE LIFE LINE THANK YOU
NORTH CAMP PHARMACY
GEORGE CATO


Terence Davison

I have always found the staff here, from the pharmacists down to young trainees on the tills, to be pleasant and patient. I like getting a txt to tell me when my scripts are ready for pick up.

Jennifer Elkins

I don’t often write reviews but wanted to share my experience of this pharmacy having read the mixture of reviews on Google.
I have been using their services regularly for over 10 years now and cannot fault them.

Sally Vokes

I visited the pharmacy today with a friend who was collecting their prescription. The service was wonderful, the lady behind the counter was very friendly and helpful and the medication was ready when they said it would be.

Hayley Cooper

They helped me when I was in need today. Would have had to wait 24 hours for some medication I’d run out of but I wasn’t coping well without it and the kind lady behind the counter turned it around for me in 15 mins despite them being incredibly busy. I am so grateful.

Aidan O'Keeffe

Dropped in here due to all the issues with Lloyds in Ash. I also gave up waiting at Boots at Farnborough Gate before trying here... The North Camp Pharmacy was small, but quiet and had everything we needed. Service with a smile too.

Julian Chapman

Hard working and really make an effort,
Just been in again and as usual are working really hard, they are sooo busy, they do a great job thank you
Phoned this morning and lady was very helpful. Popped in and again great service thank you

Clare Martin

Kind and helpful and very efficient at obtaining information and prescription for GP and leading on the liaison with said GP regarding lifelong repeat prescription and payment exemption.


Armaan Dass

I’ve been to many pharmacies in and around this area and I have to say this is one of a kind. Very modern and aesthetically pleasing can’t wait to see the finished refit, it’s safe to say you’ll be seeing me more often :)
We are proud to serve our community with top-notch pharmaceutical services and personalised care. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Premises GPhC No: 9012000
Superintendent Pharmacist: Amandeep Kaur Gill Sherwani (GPhC No. 2061813)
Company Reg: 05477711
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