These antibiotics have saved many lives. However, misuse and overuse of these medicines have contributed to a phenomenon called antibiotic resistance. In antibiotic resistance, the harmful bacteria change in a way that they reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Public Health Concern
This phenomenon of antibiotic resistance is becoming a public health concern worldwide. When a person is infected with an antibiotic-resistant bacterium, treatment of that patient may be more difficult. In addition, the antibiotic-resistant bacterium may spread to other people.
When antibiotics don’t work, the result can be
longer illnessesExamples of the types of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics include the species that cause skin infections, meningitis, sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.
more complicated illnesses
more doctor visits
the use of stronger and more expensive medicines
more deaths caused by bacterial infections
Antibiotics: Used to Fight Bacteria, Not Viruses
Antibiotics are meant to be used in infections caused by bacteria. For example, they are used to treat strep throat, which is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria, and skin infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria.
Although antibiotics kill bacteria, they are not effective against viruses or viral infections. Examples of viral infections include colds, most coughs, many types of sore throat, and influenza (flu).
Using antibiotics against viral infections
will not cure the infectionPatients and health care professionals can all play an important role in combating antibiotic resistance. Patients should not demand antibiotics when a health care professional says they are not needed. Health care professionals should prescribe antibiotics only for infections they believe to be caused by bacteria.
will not keep other individuals from catching the virus
will not help a person feel better
may cause unnecessary, harmful side effects
may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
As a patient, your best approach is to ask your health care professional whether an antibiotic is likely to be effective for your condition. Also, ask what else you can do to relieve your symptoms.
Things You Can Do To Prevent Antibiotic Resistance
The following are tips provide by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to promote proper use of antibiotics.
Do complete the full course of the medicine. It’s important to take all of the medication, even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, the medicine may not kill all the bacteria. You may become sick again, and the remaining bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic that you’ve taken.
Do not skip doses. Antibiotics are most effective when they are taken regularly.
Do not save antibiotics. You might think that you can save an antibiotic for the next time you get sick, but an antibiotic is meant for your particular infection at the time. Never take leftover medicine. Taking the wrong medicine can delay getting the appropriate treatment and may allow your condition to worsen.
Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. These may not be appropriate for your illness, may delay correct treatment, and may allow your condition to worsen.
Do talk with your health care professional about your treatment plan. Ask questions, especially if you are uncertain about when an antibiotic is appropriate or how to take it.
When prescribed an antibiotic to treat a bacterial infection, it’s important to take the medication exactly as directed. Let your health care professional know if your symptoms get worse or do not improve.
Related Topic: How Bacteria Become Resistant To Antibiotics
Source: Center for Devices and Radiological Health. FDA and You – Issue #16 – Winter 2008. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved: January 29, 2009
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