Pharmacists are regularly faced with patients requesting antibiotics inappropriately, including demands for stockpiling them for holidays, despite the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance. According to a survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents approximately 6,000 independent community pharmacies in England, a staggering 79% of pharmacists have to turn down requests for antibiotics on a daily basis. These requests often pertain to minor ailments such as coughs and colds, regardless of necessity.
The survey also highlights additional issues, such as a quarter of pharmacists reporting the frequent return of partially used antibiotics and 37% being aware of patients regularly hoarding them for future use. The misuse of these medications extends into online spaces, with realized courses of antibiotics being shared in local social media groups by the NPA.
Olivier Picard, the NPA chair, expressed concern over the widespread misunderstanding regarding antibiotics’ role among some patients. While antibiotics are suitable for certain conditions, they are ineffective against viral ailments such as coughs and sore throats. This misuse diminishes their effectiveness for more serious conditions, jeopardizing patient safety.
Diane Ashiru-Oredope, the lead pharmacist for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the UKHSA, emphasizes the urgency of addressing public misconceptions about antibiotics to combat AMR. She notes that antibiotic resistance has immediate consequences and poses a significant threat to public health. To mitigate this issue, the public is encouraged to take antibiotics only when prescribed, not use them for common colds and flu, and not save them for future use, as unused antibiotics can be safely returned to pharmacies.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges AMR as one of the most pressing public health threats, with potentially dire consequences if inaction continues. They appreciate the crucial role pharmacists and other healthcare professionals play in ensuring antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/06/pharmacists-face-daily-inappropriate-demands-for-antibiotics-survey-finds
