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Proper Use of Antibiotics

Learn what antibiotics are, risks of misuse, proper usage guidelines, and how to tackle side effects. Understand why antibiotics are not a cure-all and why following the prescribed course is vital for effective treatment. Strengthen personal hygiene practices and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.

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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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