As readers are aware the HSE antibiotic prescribing website is a very useful evidence-based antimicrobial information resource.

Recent updates to the HSE antibiotic prescribing website (www.antibioticprescribing.ie) include:

• Drug Interactions - September 2023
  • Drug interactions tables updated and grouped into individual classes of antimicrobials
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) - September 2023
  • Catheter associated UTI (CA-UTI) - differentiation between lower CA-UTI (not systemically unwell) and upper CA-UTI (systemically unwell) treatment options. Nitrofurantoin is a first-choice option for lower CA-UTI
  • Minor revisions to the following guidelines:
    • Uncomplicated UTI in adult non-pregnant females
    • Uncomplicated UTI in adult males
    • Acute pyelonephritis / upper UTI
    • UTI in Residential Care Facilities / Nursing Homes
• Antimicrobial use in Residential Care Facilities – August 2023
  • Layout updated and a new section added on the SKIP THE DIP for UTI in over 65s campaign.The use of urine dipstick tests in older people to assess for evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) can lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. This new initiative aims to improve the management of suspected UTI in older persons in residential care facilities.

(Twitter: @AntibioticPresc for live updates. For specific queries or feedback on guidelines on this website, contact antibiotics.prescribing@hse.ie)