Using antibiotics safely: the complete guide for Australians
A plain-language guide to using antibiotics well: when they help, when they do not, how to take them, and how to safely dispose of what is left over.
About antibiotic resistance
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change so that the antibiotics we rely on no longer kill them or stop them growing. Infections that were once easy to treat can then become serious, and sometimes untreatable.
It is one of the biggest threats to modern medicine. In Australia, resistant bacteria already complicate everyday care, from urinary tract infections to surgery and cancer treatment.1 The good news: how each of us uses antibiotics still makes a real difference.
Medically reviewed by Dr Helena Marsh, FRACGP. Reviewed 3 July 2026 · Next review due July 2027.
Explore the evidence
Seven topic areas · reviewed and citedAbout antibiotic resistance
What it is, how it develops, and the bacteria of most concern in Australia.
Australia's response
The National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy and who does what across government.
Research & toolkits
Our original Australian surveys, datasets and downloadable stewardship toolkits.
Statistics for Australia
Resistance and prescribing data from AURA and national surveillance, with sources.
What you can do
Practical actions for patients, carers, pet owners, farmers and clinicians.
Preventing resistance
Using antibiotics correctly, hygiene at home, and the role of vaccination.
Insights
Plain-language articles on everyday antibiotics, animals, and the bigger picture.
The numbers, for Australia
Drawn from AURA surveillanceResistance is not evenly spread. It varies by the type of bacteria, by where an infection is acquired, and by the antibiotic being used. The table below shows resistance in common bacteria from national surveillance, alongside how often each is seen.
These figures are illustrative examples formatted for launch. In the live site every figure is drawn directly from published AURA reports and carries its own source citation and last-updated date.2
| Bacterium and antibiotic | Resistant (%) | Isolates tested | Trend since 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli: ceftriaxone | 14.2 | 18,640 | Rising |
| Staph. aureus: methicillin (MRSA) | 16.8 | 9,910 | Stable |
| K. pneumoniae: ceftriaxone | 9.4 | 6,205 | Rising |
| Enterococcus faecium: vancomycin (VRE) | 36.1 | 2,480 | Falling |
| N. gonorrhoeae: ciprofloxacin | 31.7 | 7,150 | Rising |
Source: Illustrative figures modelled on AURA 2023 (Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Australia), Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC). Last updated: 3 July 2026.
What actually helps prevent resistance
Practical, evidence-based actionsOnly take antibiotics when you need them
Antibiotics do not work on colds, flu or most sore throats, which are usually caused by viruses. Ask your GP or pharmacist whether one is genuinely needed.
Take them exactly as prescribed
Follow the dose and timing your prescriber gives you, and talk to them before stopping early rather than deciding on your own.
Never share or save leftovers
Return unused antibiotics to any pharmacy through the Return Unwanted Medicines scheme. Do not keep them for next time.
Prevent infections in the first place
Hand hygiene, food safety and staying up to date with recommended vaccinations all reduce the need for antibiotics.
Read the full prevention guide
Medically reviewed by Dr Helena Marsh, FRACGP
General practitioner and antimicrobial stewardship lead. Reviewed 3 July 2026 · Next review due July 2027 ·View reviewer profile and credentials
General practitioner and antimicrobial stewardship lead. Reviewed 3 July 2026 · Next review due July 2027 ·View reviewer profile and credentials
From the Insights desk
Written by named authors · clinically reviewedReferences
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. AURA 2023: Fourth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health. ACSQHC, Sydney, 2023.
- World Health Organization. Global antimicrobial resistance and use surveillance system (GLASS) report. WHO, Geneva, 2022.
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Antimicrobial prescribing in Australian general practice: AURA analyses. ACSQHC, 2023.