Antibiotics: Misuse, Resistance and Consequences

Antibiotics are strong, efficient medicines that fight bacterial infections either by stopping the bacteria from multiplying or killing them. They can also be used against certain fungal infections and some parasites. They can be life savers when used properly.
Antibiotics can be given before hand in surgery to prevent infection. This is called “prophylactic use of antibiotics”.
Overuse or misuse of antibiotics are the key factors contributing to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria are said to be antibiotic resistant when antibiotic drugs no longer have effect on certain strain of bacteria. Drugs that used to be standard treatments for bacterial infections are now less effective or don’t work at all.
Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections like common cold, flu, most coughs, most sore throat etc. Bacteria that are either beneficial or at least not causing disease in the body are been attacked by antibiotics when they are misused. This mis directed treatment can then promote antibiotic resistant properties in harmless bacteria that can be shared with other bacteria. If you have an infection, it is important to know whether it is caused by bacteria or virus.
Antibiotics are overused or misused by taking self medication, taking left over from previous prescription, taking for quick relief from symptoms regardless of the cause of illness, getting directly from the pharmacy without prescription, not taking the drug exactly as prescribed.
Antibiotics that are commonly overused or misused includes flagyl, tetracycline, doxycycline, septrin, ampiclox, amoxil and ampicillin. Common practice are using 4 400mg tablets of flagyl and 2 capsules tetracycline at once to treat acute diarrhoea, treating acute sore throat with just 2 tablets of septrin or 1 capsule of ampiclox, treatment of cough with just a capsule of amoxil and some even use ampiclox to flush the system etc.
If you take an antibiotic only a few days, instead of the full course, the antibiotic may wipe out some but not all of the bacteria, the surviving bacteria then become more resistant and can be spread.
When bacteria becomes resistant to 1st line treatment, the doctor will have to resort to less conventional medicines which are more costly and associated with serious side effects, hence, increased risk of complications and even death. Other consequences are increased cost associated with prolong illnesses, expenses of additional tests, treatment and hospitalization etc.
Know that before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the body’s immune system can usually destroy them. There are special white blood cells that attack harmful bacteria. But occasion when it is too much and some help needed, then go for antibiotics.
You and I play a role in ensuring proper use of the drug to minimize the development of resistance. Always consult your physician before taking antibiotics and always make sure you use as directed. Use antibiotics wisely!!!