Animal and human bites
Animal and human bites carry a higher risk of infection than insect bites and should be checked by a clinician.
How long does a course usually last?
Usually 3 days to prevent infection, or 5 days to treat an established infection.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
NICE advises antibiotics to prevent infection for human bites that break the skin, most cat bites, and bites to the hand, foot, face or other higher risk areas. Co-amoxiclav is usually used. For some adults who cannot take it, a prescriber may use doxycycline and metronidazole taken together, not as separate choices. Deep wounds should be cleaned and checked, and you may need a tetanus or rabies assessment.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
Antibiotics sometimes prescribed
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.