Antibiotic resistance: Pharmacies report high demand for antibiotics for minor conditions

Antibiotic resistance: Pharmacies report high demand for antibiotics for minor conditions
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has expressed concern over the widespread misconceptions among some patients regarding the role of antibiotics.
In a survey conducted by the NPA, nearly four in five pharmacies (79 per cent) reported receiving and refusing requests for unnecessary antibiotics from patients for minor ailments such as coughs and colds – often where they are ineffective – at least once a day.
These could be viral infections that will clear up without the use of antibiotics, the NPA explained.
Between the 23rd and 27 April 2025, around 400 community pharmacies were surveyed, with 77 per cent of them reporting that the current level of demand for antibiotics to treat minor ailments could pose a risk to patient and wider population safety. NPA chair Olivier Picard said: “Although antibiotics may be an appropriate course of treatment for some conditions, for other ailments like viral coughs and sore throats, they may not be effective.”
“This could also mean antibiotics may not be effective for treating more serious conditions, posing a risk to patient safety. “Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who see nearly two million patients a day and provide medication advice. They can supply antimicrobials in some circumstances, but only when they are clinically needed.
“Pharmacies take very seriously their roles as antimicrobial stewards and provide more clinical services than ever before, taking pressures away from GPs and the rest of the health system.” Pharmacies also reported incidents of patients attempting to reuse or redistribute leftover antibiotics through social media groups, and others stockpiling them for future use, a practice that can contribute to growing antibiotic resistance. In some cases, pharmacies have even reported seeing half-used courses of treatments being posted on local community reuse social media groups.