Appropriate Antibiotic Use

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The use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. Simply using antibiotics creates resistance.

Up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed.

New!

Antibiotics and You Adult Education Program

This program was designed as a 30-minute to 1-hour, interactive presentation on how to prevent infections, including COVID-19, and how to use antibiotics safely.

The content in this program is relevant for anyone wanting to know more about the relationship between preventing infections and limiting antibiotic resistance. Tips on how to talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic safety are included.

Access the program

Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.

Checklist of common illnesses, their cause,
and whether or not an antibiotic may help

Understanding inappropriate antibiotic use

Inappropriate antibiotic use can refer to two types of antibiotic misuse:

  • when an antibiotic is prescribed, but not needed, or
  • when the wrong antibiotic, dose, or duration is chosen

Unnecessary Use / Overuse
woman taking antibiotic

Example: A 40-year-old woman is diagnosed with bronchitis and prescribed an antibiotic, even though national guidelines recommend against prescribing antibiotics for bronchitis

Misuse / Incorrect Prescription
boy taking antibiotic

Example: An 8-year-old boy is diagnosed with strep throat and needs an antibiotic to treat it, but the antibiotic prescribed is the wrong one, or the dose is too low, or the duration is too long


How to become an Antibiotic Steward

  • Do not pressure your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic unless they feel your infection is caused by bacteria.
  • Tell your doctor that you are concerned about antibiotic resistance and ask:
    • Can your doctor prescribe a “narrow spectrum” antibiotic for your infection?
    • Can your infection be treated with fewer doses?

Antibiotics kill good bacteria in your body which can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or yeast infections. A “broad spectrum” antibiotic kills a wider variety of bacteria than a “narrow spectrum” antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about the risks and how to limit them.


Antibiotics "just-in-case"

Dr. Debbie Goff | TedxColumbus

Have you ever taken an antibiotic “just-in-case” there might be an infection and thought antibiotics are “risk-free” drugs? Prescribing antibiotics “just-in-case” carries the risk of causing life threatening side effects like C-Diff diarrhea , and has the potential to create superbugs that can be resistant to every antibiotic.

Dr. Debbie Goff pharmacist, global antibiotic steward and advocate describes how consumers and patients need to become antibiotic stewards. It is no longer just up to medical professionals.