Branded medicines
Medicine category
Antibiotics South Africa
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. They do nothing for viruses, which cause most colds, flu and sore throats, and that distinction explains almost everything about how they are prescribed in South Africa.
Independent and evidence-basedInformation only, not a pharmacy
Ingredient type
Medicine category
Common uses
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Class
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South Africa access
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Common forms
Creams, ointments
Key safety note
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What this category covers
Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them multiplying, allowing your immune system to clear the infection. They are used for bacterial chest infections, urinary infections, skin infections, some throat and ear infections, dental infections and many others.
Different antibiotics target different bacteria. There is no general purpose antibiotic, which is why the choice depends on where the infection is, what is likely causing it, your medical history and local resistance patterns.
Most oral antibiotics in South Africa are Schedule 4, meaning they require a prescription. See What Schedule Are Antibiotics in South Africa.
Common types and ingredients
- Penicillin family. Including amoxicillin, widely used for chest, ear, throat and dental infections. Side effects are covered in amoxicillin side effects. Co-amoxiclav combines amoxicillin with a second ingredient that overcomes some bacterial resistance.
- Macrolides. Including azithromycin, often used where there is penicillin allergy, and typically given as a short course. See also azithromycin 500 uses and azithromycin side effects.
- Sulfonamide combinations. Including co-trimoxazole, used for certain infections and, in South Africa, widely used as preventive treatment for people living with HIV.
- Topical antibiotics. Creams and ointments for small localised skin infections, some available without a prescription.
How antibiotics are chosen
A prescriber considers the likely bacteria for that site of infection, your allergy history, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your kidney and liver function, your age and other medicines, and sometimes a laboratory test identifying the organism.
This is why you cannot select an antibiotic the way you select a painkiller, and why an antibiotic that worked for a relative may be entirely wrong for you.
Tell your prescriber about any past reaction to an antibiotic, particularly the penicillin family, since it directly changes what can be used.
Using them safely
Complete the course as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping when you feel better is a common reason infections return.
Take doses at even intervals so the level in your body stays steady, and follow any instruction about food. Some antibiotics should be separated from dairy and from calcium or iron supplements, which block their absorption.
Expect some stomach upset, and tell your pharmacist if it is severe. Report any rash promptly, since it may indicate allergy.
Never share antibiotics, never keep leftovers for a future illness, and return unused medicine to a pharmacy for disposal.
Resistance and why prescribing is careful
Every unnecessary course gives bacteria another chance to adapt. Resistant infections are harder to treat, need stronger or intravenous medicines, and sometimes require hospital admission for problems that were once managed at home.
This is why a prescriber may decline an antibiotic for a viral illness. It is a clinical judgement rather than an obstacle. See antibiotic resistance meaning.
Safety, interactions and when to ask
Tell your pharmacist about all your other medicines. Antibiotics interact with blood thinners, some heart medicines and others, and certain ones react badly with alcohol.
Ask before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if the medicine is for a child, if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you have had any previous antibiotic reaction. For related guidance see the safety pages.
Contact your doctor if the infection is not improving after a few days, or worsens at any point.
Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a rapidly spreading rash, a rash with blistering or peeling skin, severe or bloody diarrhoea, or a high fever with confusion. Call 10177 from a landline or 112 from a mobile phone.
Related pages
Return to the Medicine Categories hub to browse other categories, or follow the ingredient links above for individual antibiotics.
Common questions
Can I buy antibiotics over the counter in South Africa?
Not oral antibiotics. Most are Schedule 4 and require a prescription.
Why will my doctor not give me antibiotics for flu?
Because flu is viral and antibiotics do not work on viruses. You would get side effects without benefit.
Do I have to finish the course?
Take it as prescribed. Do not stop early because you feel better unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Can I drink alcohol on antibiotics?
For most, moderate alcohol does not stop them working, but metronidazole and tinidazole react severely. Ask your pharmacist about yours.
Can I use antibiotics left from last time?
No. The course was chosen for a specific infection, will be incomplete, and may be the wrong medicine now.
Information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Check the medicine leaflet and ask a pharmacist, doctor or qualified healthcare professional for guidance about your own situation.
Popular branded medicines
Brand and generic options
Related active ingredients
Symptom & condition guides
- Antibiotic resistance meaning
- Antibiotics for Tooth Infection South Africa
- Antibiotics for Uti South Africa
- Bacterial vs Viral Infection
- Evidence-based content
- Written in plain language
- South Africa focused