Antibiotics are usually taken between 1 and 4 times a day. Ideally, your doses should be equally spaced throughout the day and taken at the same times each day. This helps to maintain a constant level of medicine in your body.

Missed a dose?

In most cases, you should not double the next dose of antibiotics if you've missed a dose. Taking a double dose of antibiotics will increase your risk of getting side effects.

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember or, if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip your missed dose altogether.

Always refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your antibiotics, as it provides information and advice about the specific antibiotic you're taking.

The PIL will include the manufacturer's advice about what to do if you miss a dose. Ask the pharmacist for a PIL if you have not been given one with your medicine.

Several missed doses

Contact a GP for advice if you've missed several doses of antibiotics or more than 1 day's worth of treatment.

It's very important that you see the GP if you've missed doses because of side effects or illness.

Remembering to take your antibiotics

If you find it difficult to remember to take your antibiotics, you may find some of these ideas useful:

• combine taking your antibiotics with another daily activity, such as brushing your teeth or having a meal – but check whether your medicine needs to be taken before or after eating
• after taking each dose, make a note in your diary or on your calendar
• set an alarm to remind you when your next dose is due

If you're still finding it difficult to remember to take your antibiotics, ask a pharmacist or GP about compliance aids.

These are boxes with labelled compartments that you can put your medicines in. They can help remind you to take your antibiotics at specific times of the day or on particular days of the week.

Always finish a course of antibiotics

You should always finish a course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. If you do not finish the course or miss several doses, the infection may return.

Never keep antibiotics you've taken in the past with a view to using them again if you're unwell in the future.

Further information:

• Antibiotics
• Medicines information