Pneumonia
An infection of the lungs causing cough, fever and breathlessness. It needs medical assessment and usually antibiotics.
How long does a course usually last?
Adults usually have a 5 day course. Your clinician may extend it if you are not improving.
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 recommends antibiotics for pneumonia, started promptly. Your clinician will check how unwell you are to decide whether you can be treated at home. Get urgent help if you become more breathless, confused, or are getting worse.
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.