Navigating antibiotic use to prevent overdose and resistance

What is Antibiotic Resistance?¹

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms develops the ability to survive the exposure to antibiotics that were designed to kill or stop their growth.

This phenomenon makes bacterial infections harder to treat and increases the spread of disease to others. The antibiotic resistance is a complex and multifaceted problem with significant implications for public health, medicine and agriculture.

Some of the key consequences include:²

Treatment Failures
As antibiotic resistance increases, the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections diminishes. This can lead to treatment failures, prolonged illnesses and an increased risk of complications.

Limited Treatment Options
With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, healthcare providers may have limited options for treating bacterial infections. In some cases, there may be no effective antibiotics available, leading to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from once-treatable infections.

Spread of Resistant Genes
Resistant genes can be transferred between bacteria, even different species. This means that resistance can spread not only within a single bacterial species but also across various types of bacteria, further complicating the control of antibiotic resistance.

Increased Healthcare Costs
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant infections often requires more expensive and prolonged treatment options. This can lead to higher healthcare costs for individuals, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.

Global Public Health Threat

Antibiotic resistance is a global public health treat. Resistant bacteria can easily spread across borders, making it a challenge that requires international cooperation to address effectively. Preventing antibiotic overdose is crucial to prevent potential harm to the individual and to mitigate the development of antibiotic resistance.

Here are some key measures to prevent antibiotic overdose:³

	Preserve the power of antibiotics Take antibiotics ONLY if you need them. Antibiotics DO NOT work on viral infections such as those that cause common cold or flu, runny noses or sore throats.
	Follow prescriptions strictly Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip doses, and complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished.
	Do not share antibiotics Never share antibiotics with others, and do not use antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
	Avoid self-medication Do not self-prescribe antibiotics. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
	Understand dosage instructions Clearly understand the dosage instructions, including the frequency and timing of the antibiotic doses. If you have any doubts on how to take the medication, always seek clarification from your healthcare provider.
	Be aware of side effects Familiarise yourself with potential side effects of the prescribed antibiotic. If you experience adverse side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical attention immediately.
	Communicate with healthcare providers Provide a complete medical history, including any allergies or adverse reactions to antibiotics, to your healthcare provider before receiving a prescription. Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking.

Antibiotics aren’t always the answer when you’re sick. Ask your doctor about ways to feel better while your body fights off an infection.

By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing antibiotic overdose and contribute to the responsible use of these important medications.

We hope you found this article informative. Healthful welcomes contributions from healthcare professionals, patients, and community members. If you have a story, research, or a perspective that can enrich our dialogue, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

References

Antimicrobial resistance. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance.
Antimicrobial Resistance. Center for Disease Control. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/index.html.
Antimicrobial Resistance. National Centre for Infectious Diseases. Available at: https://www.ncid.sg/Health-Professionals/Pages/Antimicrobial-Resistance.aspx.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?¹

Global Public Health Threat

Related...

Like our content?

What is Antibiotic Resistance?1

Global Public Health Threat

Related...

Like our content?

As a caregiver, what’s your biggest challenge?

What is Antibiotic Resistance?¹