Spain will shrink the size of antibiotic packs in 2027, it has been announced.

The country is moving to end the habit of keeping leftover antibiotics ‘just in case’, with health authorities planning for packets that match exactly what patients need.

Under the new measure, antibiotic boxes will contain only the number of pills prescribed for each treatment cycle.

The aim is to cut down on self-medication and misuse, a key driver of antibiotic resistance.

For many patients, leftover pills have become routine.

‘I was given 30 tablets but only needed 20,’ one patient told La Sexta news.

While he returned the extras to the pharmacy, he admits others don’t.

‘Some people take them again later because they think it helped before,’ he added.

Health officials added: ‘When people have spare antibiotics at home, they may take them without a prescription or use the wrong dose… this contributes directly to antibiotic resistance.’

Over the next year, pharmaceutical companies will be required to adapt packaging for several common antibiotics – including amoxicillin – so that each box aligns with prescribed treatments.

Health experts warn the stakes are high. Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming an increasing global threat, making infections harder to treat and raising the risk of complications.

Pharmacies will gradually introduce the new packaging, which professionals say will also make treatment clearer and easier for patients to follow.

It also means fewer half-used boxes sitting in medicine cabinets and fewer expired pills ending up as waste.