NICE - Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines
NICE Antimicrobial Guidelines are evidence-based guidelines for managing common infections in the context of tackling antimicrobial resistance – specifically in relation to bacterial infection and antibiotic use.
The Northern Ireland Management of Infection Guidelines for Primary and Community Care reflect these guidelines. They are available on the ‘Microguide App’ for mobile devices or via the Northern Ireland Formulary website.
These guidelines will also support the work of HSC Trusts in their antibiotic stewardship.
Note
It is important to note that the advice contained within the guidance does not override or replace the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of their individual patients, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer. This would, for example, include situations where individual patients have other conditions or complications that need to be taken into account in determining whether the NICE guidance is fully appropriate in their case.
The following Antimicrobial Guidelines have been endorsed by DoH:
June 2018
NG79 - Sinusitis (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG81 - Sore Throat (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG91 - Otitis Media (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
November 2018
NG109 - Urinary Tract Infection (Lower): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG110 - Prostatitis (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG111 - Pyelonephritis (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG112 - Urinary Tract Infection (Recurrent): Antimicrobial prescribing
NG113 - Urinary Tract Infection (Catheter-Associated): Antimicrobial prescribing
January 2019
NG117 - Bronchiectasis (Non-Cystic Fibrosis), Acute Exacerbation: Antimicrobial prescribing
NG114 - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Acute Exacerbation): Antimicrobial prescribing
February 2019
NG120 - Cough (Acute): Antimicrobial prescribing
September 2019
NG138 - Pneumonia (Community-Acquired): Antimicrobial Prescribing -Note this guidance has been updated and replaced by NICE Clinical Guideline NG250 - Pneumonia: diagnosis and management, endorsed by the DoH in November 2025.
NG139 - Pneumonia (Hospital-Acquired): Antimicrobial Prescribing - Note this guidance has been updated and replaced by NICE Clinical Guideline NG250 - Pneumonia: diagnosis and management, endorsed by the DoH in November 2025.
NG141 - Cellulitis and Erysipelas: Antimicrobial Prescribing
February 2020
NG152 - Leg Ulcer Infection: Antimicrobial Prescribing
NG153 - Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing - 26 February 2020
September 2020
NG182 - Insect bites and stings: antimicrobial prescribing - 23 September 2020
November 2020
NG184 - Human and animal bites: antimicrobial prescribing
March 2021
NG190 - Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing Note this guideline updates and replaces some recommendations on managing infections in NICE Clinical Guideline CG57, which was endorsed by the DoH in July 2008.
July 2021
NG199 - Clostridioides difficile infection: antimicrobial prescribing - 29 July 2021