What is Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic Resistance A Public Health Issue Antibiotic resistance is the ability of a bacteria, to stop an antibiotics from working against it. As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others. Maharashtra State Pharmacy Councils Drug Information Center Refresher Course ESIS Hospital Compound, LBS Marg, Mulund West, Mumbai 400080 Email Id: dicmspc@gmail.com Website: www.mspcindia.org/dic/homedic.aspx Facts & Figures Between 5 and 10 percent of all hospital patients develop an infection. About 90,000 of these patients die each year as a result of the infection It is estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed in office settings for upper respiratory infections (URIs) like cough and cold illness, most of which are caused by viruses. MSPC s Drug Information Centre Any Content is not for public circulation or reproduction, whether in whole or in part. 1
Discovery of Antibiotics Causes Related To Human Use Of Antibiotics Overuse Societal pressure Prescribing multiple antibiotics when monotherapy would be adequate Misuse Treating viral infections with antibiotic Over the Counter Sale Antibiotics are Schedule H drugs, selling them over the counter also adds to resistance Implications of Antibiotic (Abx) Resistance More deaths caused by bacterial infections Use of stronger & more expensive drugs Longer illness Antibiotic Resistance More doctor visit More complicated illness WAY BACK TO PRE ANTIBIOTIC ERA Antimicrobial Resistance New Drug Discovery & Development Factors leading to this decline: 1. the increasing challenges of screening for new compounds, 2. high capital costs and long time required for drug development, 3. growing complexity of designing & performing definitive clinical trials, 4. concern about reduced drug longevity due to the emergence of resistance. 2
What can a pharmacist do?? MSPC s Drug Information Centre Any Content is not for public circulation or reproduction, whether in whole or in part. How can infections be prevented in the first place to reduce the need for antibiotics? Better hygiene Access to clean water and sanitation Vaccination Curb development of drug resistance contd No indiscriminate and inadequate or unduly prolonged use of antibiotics Appropriate use dispense antibiotic prescribed by a qualified doctor ONLY! Talk to the customer Prescribed antibiotic complete the prescribed course. Explain reasons why you cannot recommend an antibiotic Refuse to dispense old prescriptions MSPC s Drug Information Centre Any Content is not for public circulation or reproduction, whether in whole or in part. 3
Even if customers ask for an antibiotic, make him aware of the facts about antibiotics and convince him Key Points Most of the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are VIRAL and do not require antibiotic treatment. Get the patient know the fact that Using antibiotics when they are not needed may make them LESS EFFECTIVE when they are needed!!! Viral Infections 1. cold and flu symptoms - runny noses, watery eyes, dry coughs, sore throats, chills, aches and pains - are caused by viruses, not bacteria? 2. adults who have a sore throat without significant fever most likely do not have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat? - their disease is more likely to be caused by a virus. Recommended symptomatic management is through : 1. Rest 2. Plenty of Fluids 3. Analgesia 4. Decongestants Don t insist Finish each antibiotic prescription Don t Self medicate Prevent infection Immunizati ons Patient Information Don t insist on antibiotics for yourself or your children from the Doctor. Give your body s immune system enough time to clear the infection naturally. If you don t complete the full course, some bacteria may stay with you having become resistant to the antibiotic used and multiply again, requiring a different likely stronger antibiotic if the infection returns a few days or weeks late Take only with a doctor s instructions & don t take antibiotics left over from old prescriptions, given to you by friends or family. Wash hands thoroughly. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Avoid raw eggs and undercooked meats Keep immunizations up-to-date - especially for children. 4
While dispensing antibiotics Provide sufficient information to the patient Make sure they have informed the doctor about any kidney or liver problems they are suffering from Make sure that the patient is not pregnant or lactating mother Give them clear instructions on how to take, how much to take, when to take, how long to take invite & solve queries from patients regarding use of antibiotics Provide adequate educational material (verbal as well as written) Create Awareness Antibiotic Awareness 1. Antibiotics are potent medicines used to treat infections. 2. Antibiotics don t work on most colds or coughs & sore throats. 3. Antibiotics have to be prescribed by your doctor depending on the type of infection, & what the possible causative bacteria is. 4. Self-medication of antibiotics can be dangerous. Improper use & dose can cause delay in treatment, recurrence of infection, side effects, & resistance to the antibiotic. 5. When you are prescribed an antibiotic by your doctor, be sure to complete the prescribed course. Premature stopping, skipping doses, allows bacteria to survive & become stronger, causing the infection to recur. 6. The same antibiotic may not work on you all the time. Each time an antibiotic is needed, it has to be selected by the doctor. Remember.. Pharmacist is the most easily accessible Healthcare Professional to the patient Pharmacist can play a very vital role in preventing antibiotic resistance TB-DOTS Pharmacist have got a place in the National Healthcare Program through their continued efforts Speak less, Work more, Let our Actions Speak for us Should be our motto to prevent antibiotic resistance through educating ourselves as well as our patients 5
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