Transcript Proper Use of Antibiotics

Proper Use of Antibiotics
June 2008
Proper Use of Antibiotics
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What are antibiotics?
Are there any risks for
the use of antibiotics?
How to use antibiotics
properly?
Frequently Asked
Questions
Conclusion
Antibiotics
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Effective for
treating bacterial
infections only.
Do not work for
viral infection,
including common
cold or flu.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics ≠ Anti-inflammatory
drugs
 Antibiotics ≠Panacea
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Are there any risks for the use of
antibiotics?
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There are risks:
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Side effects
Antibiotic resistant
bacteria
Side effects of Antibiotics (1)
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Transient
headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation or
diarrhoea
Side effects of Antibiotics (2)
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Allergic reaction
- rash
- itchiness
- breathlessness
Antibiotic resistant bacteria
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Predispose to the
emergences of
antibiotics resistant
bacteria.
Infection due to
antibiotics
resistance bacteria
are difficult to treat.
How to use antibiotics properly?
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Antibiotics should
only be taken
under doctor’s
instruction.
Points to note when taking
antibiotics (1)
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Follow your doctor’s
instruction.
Take the drugs on the
right time at the right
dose.
If you miss one dose,
take it as soon as you
remember but never
take a double dose.
Points to note when taking
antibiotics (2)
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Complete the whole
course.
Do not stop halfway or
reduce the dosage once
symptoms have
subsided.
If feeling unwell after
taking antibiotics,
contact your doctor
immediately.
Points to note when taking
antibiotics (3)
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If condition does
not improve, or
even worsened
after completing
the course of
treatment, consult
your doctor
immediately.
Points to note when taking
antibiotics (4)
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DO NOT SHARE
antibiotics with others
or leave them for use in
the next similar episode.
Similar symptoms do
not mean the same
disease.
Points to note when taking antibiotics (4)
Strengthen Personal Hygiene
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Keep hands clean.
Eat only well-cooked food.
Drink only boiled water.
Wear mask if you have
respiratory symptoms like
cough, sneezes, runny nose
and sore throat.
Disinfect and cover all
wounds.
Refrain from school for
children who cannot comply
with personal hygiene.
FAQ
If I am having a common cold and the nasal discharge
changes to yellow or green, do I need an antibiotic?
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Yellow or green nasal
discharge does not
necessarily indicate a
bacterial infection.
Discharge becoming thicker
and change colour during a
common cold is quite normal.
Unreliable to consider
treatment by the appearance
of the discharge alone.
Always consult your doctor
for the use of antibiotics.
FAQ
If I have fever, do I always need an antibiotic?
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Fever is a common
symptom for infections and
not necessarily caused by
bacterial infection.
Listen to your doctor for the
recommendation on the use
of antibiotics.
Do not demand your doctor
to prescribe antiinflammatory drugs or buy
antibiotics from the
dispensary.
Conclusion
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Antibiotics is effective for treating bacterial
infections only but it is not a panacea.
Antibiotics must be taken under doctors’
prescription.
Follow doctors’ or pharmacists’ instruction strictly
in completing the whole course of antibiotics at
the right time at the right dose.
While taking antibiotics, personal hygiene must be
strengthened.
If feeling unwell after taking antibiotics, contact
your doctor immediately.
Proper Use of Antibiotics