Why is the rational use of antibiotics important?

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria, either by directly killing the bacteria or by hindering their growth and reproduction.

1. What are they used for?

Antibiotics only treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, whooping cough, or urinary tract infections.

2. Are they useful for treating cold or flu?

These medicines are not effective against viruses (such as those that cause colds and runny noses), even those that are thick, yellow, or green in color; most sore throats (except strep throat); flu (or flu); and most chest pains A case of a cold, such as bronchitis.

3. When should it be taken?

You must follow all instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. It is important to observe the intervals between doses. Therefore, consider the most appropriate time to make it easier to comply with treatment, and in the case of children, take responsibility for your son or daughter to receive treatment. So if you take a dose every eight hours, you can start at 8:00 am, take your next dose at 4:00 pm, and take your last dose at 12:00 pm. If the recommended antibiotic is only to be taken in one dose per day, be sure to take it at the same time. Even if the symptoms of the disease disappear, the specified treatment plan must be followed on the specified days, and the treatment should not be given up before then. Your nurse can help you with this.

4. What are the side effects of antibiotics?

Anytime antibiotics are used, side effects can occur. It is important to see a healthcare professional if you experience any side effects while taking antibiotics. The most common mild side effects may include: rash, nausea, diarrhea, yeast infection…more serious side effects may include: Clostridium difficile infection, a bacteria that can cause diarrhea and more serious intestinal colon; severe and life-threatening allergic reactions; and antibiotic-resistant infections.

5. Why is it important to take antibiotics only when needed?

Antibiotics are very important in treating infections, however, when misused or unprescribed, they can cause side effects and lead to resistance to these drugs. This poses one of the most urgent and emerging threats to global public health. But when antibiotics are needed, the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects or resistance. Unnecessary use occurs when a person takes antibiotics when they don’t need them, such as for colds and flu. It is important that we all take antibiotics only when we need them, and by showing that they can in this way protect ourselves from the damage caused by unnecessary use and combat the development of resistance.

6. Can I stop treatment if I feel better?

It should always be done within the time indicated by your doctor. It is very important to respect the specified dates and times. If you drop it before the prescribed deadline, resistance may develop, and in the future, those same antibiotics will no longer be effective.