To use an 'old' antibiotics prescription without visiting my GP?

[JemimaPuddlePop]

So just to clarify first of all, I'm no Doctor but I do know the basics - antibiotics only work for bacteria, nothing viral etc. I don't go straight for antibiotics at the first sign of illness.

Anyway...I have a 7 day course of amoxicillin in my medicine cabinet, which was prescribed in December. At the time I'd had a terrible sore throat for a week and was about to go away for a fortnight. Went to the GP who said it seemed like a virus, tonsils were huge but 'normal', no pus or temperature, but gave me the prescription because I was going away...with advice to take them if my symptoms got worse/didn't clear, if I developed a temperature or pus etc.

So I got the prescription but my symptoms cleared literally the next day so never used them.

I've now had a sore throat for about a week again but over the last day it's gotten much more painful. Woke up this morning feeling shivery and have a (mild) temp. Looked at my throat this morning and my tonsils are now covered in white spots.

Wibu to just take the antibiotics I have?Dh thinks I should book an out of hours appointment today but it seems a little pointless as I'm pretty sure the GP would prescribe anti biotic anyway...the dc have had a couple of throat infections in the past and white pus usually means the GP gives antibiotics.

Aibu?

Isn't it different antibiotics depending on the strain of bacteria? I'd go to doctor...

Can you get a telephone consultation and explain?

Amoxicillin is not the appropriate antibiotic for sore throats/tonsillitis.

You would be best seeing your GP

I was told by my doctor that prescriptions last for 6 months. I would just take it to pharmacy and get them.

You'll be fine if you've had Amoxcil before. They're the right thing for throat related (or tooth related) infections.

I don't think that's right Inlect...I've been prescribed amoxicillin in the past (once, years ago) for a throat infection and the Amoxicillin I have were prescribed for a throat infection.

I always have amoxicillin for tonsillitis and I've alot of it.

Take it you will be fine, as long as the tablets are still in date.

well l have been prescribing the wrong medicine for tonsillitis for years then--silly me

Amoxicillin is not the correct antibiotic for tonsillitis.

I would take them. And why would they not be the right type if that's what they were prescribed for originally?

I would phone the ooh gp and get them to prescribe something if they think it's needed

I'd take them. If you got given them last time for the same thing.

inlect what Is the right medication for tonsillitis. just out of curiosity as Dr was puzzled at what dd was prescribed

Dr Google (various sites) seems pretty sure they're the right ones...plus they were prescribed for an anticipated throat infection.

So I'm confused why some people are convinced they're the wrong ones

YABU unless you are a doctor.

Anti-biotic resistance is helped along by irresponsible use of AB's. This would be a good example.

Also consider that if you took them and had a reaction (unlikely, but still possible regardless of if you'd had then before), you wouldn't have a leg to stand on legally.

Penicillin V in our surgery every time--if not allergic or previous bad reaction to it

you need to see the gp. the incidence of resistence to antibiotics is increasing. using for the wrong thing is likely that we are all going to end up in the shit and not be able to have routine operations due to not being able to treat post operative infections sucessfully.

if the gp prescribes the antibiotics you have then use those.

It looks like amoxicillin is avoided where glandular fever is a potential cause of the sore throat and I suppose some drs may prefer another treatment, but given the op's own go prescribed them for the same symptoms, I don't see the problem.

Would you prescribe the one beginning with e (to a child ) with tonsillitis

Ds is always given pen v for throat infections, amoxecillin or augmentin for chest infections.

The reason Amoxycillin should not be given for sore throats is because if the sore throat is a symptom of Glandular fever,the Amoxycillin reacts badly with the Mononucleosis and may cause oedema and swelling of the throat.Penicillin V is a better choice.( admittedly this is quite rare ).

I agree with everyone that says not correct antibiotic.

Giles you could use erythromycin if penicillin allergy.

I'd phone OOH for advice. Sometimes they are able to give advice over the telephone.

Ok just wondered as dd isn't allergic but was given that first then reacted to it so then got pen

You're not a doctor but you "know the basics". Yeah, right! You just self diagnose and self prescribe then. Just don't call the doctor when it all goes horribly wrong and you get complications - because, after all, you know the basics!