JUDICIOUS USE OF ANTIBIOTICS

While in the yuletide mood and still in the spirit of safeguarding our health and that of our loved ones, we would be talking about different types of drugs and how we could use them safely and judiciously this period. We would be kicking off today with the very popular “ANTIBIOTICS”- “AUNTIE_BUYOUR_TICKS”. Please read and enjoy…and….remember to spread the word……..

Antibiotics are a type of medication used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They help “kill” or eradicate bacteria or they inhibit the growth of bacteria. A non-exhaustive list examples of the very popular antibiotics and their popular brand/local names include; Co-trimoxazole- (SEPTRIN); Tetracycline- “RED-AND- YELLOW-CAPSULE); Ciprofloxacin (CIPROTAB OR CIPROXIN); Ampiclox; Amoxicillin (AMOXYL); Co-Amoxiclav (AUGMENTIN); Cefuroxime(ZINNAT); Azithromycin (ZITHROMAX); amongst others.

                   
The single most important bane of antibiotic use is “RESISTANCE”- a phenomenon where bacteria becomes unaffected by these antibiotics. Meaning, the bacteria becomes “STRONGER”.  Resistant infections kill hundreds of thousands of people each year and resistant bacteria results from improperly treated infections which in turn results from non-judicious use of antibiotics. Some tips to ensure proper and judicious use of antibiotics include;

• Always ask for the name of any antibiotic given and why it was given; this may help prevent irrational use of antibiotics.
• Always follow prescribed dosage instructions and always ask if you have been given the full course.
• Always Complete the full course of antibiotic therapy as instructed; as with many bacterial infections, you start to feel better after a few doses, don’t stop the medication. Complete the full course of therapy. (Remember that for bacterial infections, “feeling better is never a sign of complete Eradication of the bacteria”). 
• Never share your prescribed antibiotics with anyone including your Spouse or Children, no matter what. 
• Never stop the antibiotic on your own volition; even when side effects manifest, Consult your Doctor or Pharmacist and share your concerns. Except when adverse effects like Serious Rashes, hives, Hypersensitivity, serious dermatological problems occur (especially after a first dose), in which case you must report to a hospital immediately. 

What happens when I miss a dose??  This is Simple!! Take the dose as soon as you remember, BUT if it is close to when the next dose is to be taken, then ignore the missed dose and take the next dose and from then on, continue as before. Use of phone reminders can help prevent missing a dose.
For Most Reconstituted Pediatric antibiotic suspensions e.g. Zinnat suspension, Augmentin suspension, etc.  These can be stored for 5days in the refrigerator (2-80C).  They should be discarded after 5 days unless otherwise stated.
Proper disposal of antibiotics is needed for environmental protection; Take advantage of the “Medication Take back” programs by pharmacies instead of discarding medicines into waste bins or flushing them down drains, because they may damage the soil’s beneficial microorganisms and cause an alteration in the ecosystem.

****ALWAYS REMEMBER, FOR EACH ANTIBIOTIC TABLET, THAT YOU DIDN’T USE IN THE RIGHT MANNER, IN THE RIGHT DOSE AND AT THE RIGHT TIME, YOU ARE GIVING THE BACTERIA/MICROORGANISM THE UPPER HAND IN THE UNENDING WAR AGAINST INFECTIONS*******

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY…………….. Happy New Year


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