Irish Pharmacists Urge Responsible Use of Antibiotics to Combat Resistance

  • European Antibiotic Awareness Day is 18 November

 

IPU, Tuesday 18 November 2025.: The persistent misuse of antibiotics, both in Ireland and globally, remains a serious and growing public health concern, Irish pharmacists have cautioned. Marking European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD), the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is warning about the dangers of misusing or overusing antibiotics.

Susan O’ Dwyer the IPU’s Head of Professional Services said, “Incorrect or unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause bacteria to become resistant to future treatments. This is a health hazard not just for the person taking the antibiotics inappropriately but also for others who may later be infected by those resistant bacteria. In Ireland resistant infections such as MRSA are now commonplace.”

The health burden of antibiotic resistance is a key focus of this year’s EAAD. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that more than 35,000 people die annually across the European Union from antibiotic-resistant infections, an estimate that has increased over recent years.

In addition to the public health consequences, taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons may have adverse side effects on the individual. “Antibiotics should only be taken under a prescription from a healthcare professional. Misuse of antibiotics can result in adverse effects, including diarrhoea, nausea or skin rashes.”

The IPU advises that many common infections do not require antibiotics. “Mild illnesses such as sore throats, sinus infections or earaches often clear up without antibiotics. Your immune system is usually strong enough to deal with them. If you are unsure about your symptoms, speak with your local pharmacist.”

 

Key advice provided by the Irish Pharmacy Union to combat the risks are:

  1. Do not take antibiotics for colds and flu, sore throat, coughs, vomiting or diarrhoea;
  2. If you do need to take an antibiotic, take it exactly as prescribed and finish the full course even if you are feeling better;
  3. Do not save antibiotics for later use or share them with others;
  4. Don’t expect to be prescribed antibiotics for viral conditions; and
  5. Avail of vaccines for conditions such as the flu, pneumococcal disease and shingles at your local pharmacy.

 

As Ireland enters the winter coughs and colds season, the IPU is reminding the public that antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. “Antibiotics do not help with COVID-19, flu, or the common cold and they don’t prevent these illnesses. Pharmacists are medicine experts, and we would encourage anyone seeking further information to contact their local community pharmacy to discuss taking antibiotics appropriately,” concluded Ms O’ Dwyer.

 

ENDS