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Proper Use of Antibiotics

Proper Use of Antibiotics. June 2008. Proper Use of Antibiotics. What are antibiotics? Are there any risks for the use of antibiotics? How to use antibiotics properly? Frequently Asked Questions Conclusion. Antibiotics. Effective for treating bacterial infections only.

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Proper Use of Antibiotics

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  1. Proper Use of Antibiotics June 2008

  2. Proper Use of Antibiotics • What are antibiotics? • Are there any risks for the use of antibiotics? • How to use antibiotics properly? • Frequently Asked Questions • Conclusion

  3. Antibiotics • Effective for treating bacterial infections only. • Do not work for viral infection, including common cold or flu.

  4. Antibiotics • Antibiotics ≠ Anti-inflammatory drugs • Antibiotics ≠Panacea

  5. Are there any risks for the use of antibiotics? • There are risks: • Side effects • Antibiotic resistant bacteria

  6. Side effects of Antibiotics (1) • Transient headache • Nausea • Vomiting • Constipation or diarrhoea

  7. Side effects of Antibiotics (2) • Allergic reaction - rash - itchiness - breathlessness

  8. Antibiotic resistant bacteria • Predispose to the emergences of antibiotics resistant bacteria. • Infection due to antibiotics resistance bacteria are difficult to treat.

  9. How to use antibiotics properly? • Antibiotics should only be taken under doctor’s instruction.

  10. Points to note when taking antibiotics (1) • 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.

  11. Points to note when taking antibiotics (2) • 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. Complete the whole course

  12. Points to note when taking antibiotics (3) • If condition does not improve, or even worsened after completing the course of treatment, consult your doctor immediately.

  13. Points to note when taking antibiotics (4) • DO NOT SHARE antibiotics with others or leave them for use in the next similar episode. • Similar symptoms do not mean the same disease.

  14. Points to note when taking antibiotics (4) Strengthen Personal Hygiene • 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.

  15. FAQIf I am having a common cold and the nasal discharge changes to yellow or green, do I need an antibiotic? • 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.

  16. FAQIf I have fever, do I always need an antibiotic? • 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 anti-inflammatory drugs or buy antibiotics from the dispensary.

  17. Conclusion • 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.

  18. Proper Use of Antibiotics

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