The introduction of antibiotics in the 20th century transformed modern medicine. For the first time, doctors had access to medications that could effectively treat serious bacterial infections that were once life-threatening, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. However, decades of antibiotic overuse and misuse have led to a major public health crisis – antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used excessively or unnecessarily, bacteria mutate and become resistant to the effects of the drugs. These antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” continue to spread, causing infections that are extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.
Promoting the responsible use of antibiotics is now crucial to preserve their effectiveness and protect public health. This requires using antibiotics only when truly necessary, choosing the proper antibiotic and dosage, and completing the full course of prescribed antibiotic treatment. Responsible antibiotic use must be practiced in both healthcare and home settings in order to control resistance.
Responsible Antibiotic Prescribing in Healthcare
Doctors have a responsibility to prescribe antibiotics judiciously and ensure they are used appropriately. This means:
- Avoiding antibiotic prescriptions for viral infections like colds, flu, most sore throats, and some ear infections where they provide no benefit.
- Conducting proper diagnostic testing to determine if a bacterial infection is present before prescribing antibiotics.
- Selecting the antibiotic that specifically targets the particular bacterium causing the illness. Using broad-spectrum antibiotics when not needed increases resistance.
- Prescribing the appropriate dose and duration of antibiotic treatment. Taking antibiotics for shorter than the prescribed course promotes resistance.
- Reviewing antibiotic prescriptions after 48 hours to determine if they are still necessary based on lab test results and the patient’s condition.
- Monitoring patients for possible side effects and drug interactions.
- Educating patients about proper antibiotic use and resistance.
Doctors should be careful not to over-prescribe antibiotics due to pressure from patients. While patient satisfaction is important, preserving antibiotic effectiveness is an urgent public health priority.
Responsible Antibiotic Use at Home
The public also has an important role to play in using antibiotics responsibly:
- Only use antibiotics prescribed specifically to you by your doctor. Never use leftover antibiotics or share prescriptions with others.
- Always complete the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if you start feeling better. Stopping treatment early promotes resistance.
- Never save antibiotics for future illnesses. Antibiotics can lose potency over time.
- Always follow the prescribed dosage and timing directions carefully when taking antibiotics. Incorrect doses also encourage resistance.
- Properly dispose of any unused antibiotics by returning them to a pharmacy. Antibiotics that are flushed or thrown out can enter the environment and water supply.
- Avoid purchasing antibiotics online without a prescription. Self-medication with antibiotics is extremely dangerous.
- Never pressure your doctor for an antibiotic prescription if it is not clinically indicated. Make sure you understand when antibiotics are appropriate or not.
Preserving Antibiotic Effectiveness Requires a Collaborative Effort
Combating antibiotic resistance requires effort and commitment from healthcare professionals, patients, policy makers, and the public health community. We all must work together to promote responsible antibiotic use and protect these life-saving drugs for future generations. This includes improving antibiotic prescribing practices, educating patients about proper use, and developing new antibiotics and alternative treatments. With a collaborative public health approach, we can ensure antibiotics remain an effective resource for treating infectious disease.
