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Misuse of Antibiotics

Correct Use of Antibiotics

Are all antibiotics alike?

Many types of antibiotics are available. Each works a little differently and acts on different bacteria. This is why you must have a prescription to buy antibiotics. Your doctor will decide which antibiotic will work best for your infection.

Are antibiotics safe?

Antibiotics are usually safe when taken as directed by your doctor. However, people may develop allergies to specific antibiotics, and may have a reaction to them. Your doctor will ask if you have ever had allergic reactions to any medicines. This is to make sure you receive the right antibiotic.

How are antibiotics overused or misused?

Seven out of ten Americans receive antibiotics when they seek treatment for a common cold! Only one-third of patients use antibiotics the way doctors tell them.

Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics in many ways:

• Some doctors give patients antibiotics when they might not be helpful. For example, a patient with a cold may pressure a doctor into prescribing an antibiotic because the patient hopes to get a quick fix to his/her illness. Antibiotics won't cure a cold because colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
• Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. The treatment for a cold is generally rest, plenty of fluids and medicines for fever and headache.
• Antibiotics are misused because many patients do not take them according to their doctor's instructions. They may stop taking their antibiotics too soon, before their illness is completely cured. This allows bacteria to become resistant by not killing them completely.
• Some patients save unused medicine and take it later for another illness, or pass it to other ill family members or friends.

These practices may result in the wrong antibiotics being used. They can also lead to the development of resistant bacteria.