Download 08 Antibiotic use

HEALTH AND ADULT SOCIAL CARE
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
BRIEFING NOTE – No. 08/08
Date:
November 2008
Briefing paper to:
All Members of Health and Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny
Committee
Purpose:
USING ANTIBIOTICS WISELY
ARTICLE FOR OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a serious threat to public health.
Taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons or incorrectly causes bacteria to develop
resistance against antibiotic treatments with a risk of rendering antibiotics ineffective in
the future.
It is very important to take antibiotics responsibly by putting an end to unnecessary
use of antibiotics and encouraging people to follow their doctors or pharmacist’s
instructions and advice on how to take antibiotics in the appropriate way.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Bacteria can adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become
‘antibiotic resistant’ so that the antibiotic no longer works. The more often we use an
antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it. Some bacteria
that cause infections in hospitals, such as MRSA, are resistant to several antibiotics.
Why is responsible use of antibiotics important?
Keeping antibiotics effective is everyone’s responsibility. Responsible use of
antibiotics can help reverse the growing trend of antimicrobial resistance and keep
antibiotics effective for the use of future generations.
How can antibiotic resistance be avoided?
By using antibiotics less often we can slow down the development of resistance. It’s
not possible to stop it completely, but slowing it down stops resistance spr eading and
buys some time to develop new types of antibiotics.
What can I do about antibiotic resistance?
By only using antibiotics when it’s appropriate to do so. We now know that most
coughs and colds get better just as quickly without antibiotics. When they are
prescribed, the complete course should be taken in order to get rid of the bacteria
completely. If the course isn’t completed, some bacteria may be left to develop
resistance.
How should I treat my cold?
The best way to treat most colds, coughs or sore throats is to drink plenty of fluids and
to rest. Colds can last about two weeks and may end with a cough and bringing up
phlegm. There are many over the counter remedies to ease the symptoms –
paracetamol, for example. Ask your pharmacist for advice. If the cold lasts more than
three weeks, or you become breathless or have chest pains, or already have a chest
complaint, see your doctor.
But what about my children, they’re always getting coughs and colds?
It’s very common for children to get coughs and colds, especially when they go to
school and mix with other children. Ask your pharmacist for advice. If the symptoms
persist and you are concerned, see your doctor but you shouldn’t expect to be
prescribed antibiotics.
Why should antibiotics not be used to treat coughs and colds?
All colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not
work against infections, such as colds, caused by viruses. Viral infections are much
more common than bacterial infections.
Why can’t diffe rent antibiotics be used instead?
They can, but they may not be as effective, and they may have more side-effects. And
eventually the bacteria will become resistant to them too. We cannot be sure we will
always be able to find new antibiotics to replace the old ones. In recent years fewer
new antibiotics have been discovered.
So when will I be prescribed antibiotics?
So when will I be prescribed antibiotics? Your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics
when you need them, for example for a kidney infection or pneumonia. Antibiotics may
be life-saving for infections such as meningitis. By not using them unnecessarily, they
are more likely to work when we need them.
Key facts about antibiotics
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Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Antibiotics are usually taken by mouth, but can sometimes be given into a vein
(intravenous), into a muscle (intramuscular) or applied to the skin (topical).
Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and/or preventing their growth.
Different types of antibiotics treat different kinds of infection.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for respiratory infections when most of
these are caused by viruses not bacteria.
Most patients are prescribed antibiotics without the doctor knowing the cause of
the infection.
Colds and coughs are caused by viruses, not bacteria so antibiotics will not
help.
If you take antibiotics when you don’t need them, they may lose their ability to
kill bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance is growing. If the bacteria keep “overpowering” the
medicines we have, we may run out of ways to kill these bacteria.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause serious infections and can be spread to
others in your family.
Antibiotics can give you side effects, such as diarrhoea.
Using antibiotics wisely is important to reduce the risk of Clostridium difficile
(CDI).
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium (bug) which causes diarrhoea, sometimes with
abdominal pain and vomiting. It often occurs following treatment with antibiotics.
Most often it affects elderly people and those with other health problems.
The symptoms range from mild diarrhoea for a few days, which stops on its own, to
frequent offensive stools with mucous and sometimes blood.
CDI has commonly been associated with hospital stay but it is being recognised
that many cases originate in the community, due to indiscriminate use of
antibiotics.
Antibiotics tend to wipe out the "good" or protective bacteria in the gut which allows Clostridium
difficile to “take over” the “good” or protective bacteria. Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that
resemble the protective bacteria of the gut and have been used to treat Clostridium difficile
infection whilst staying in hospital. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to support the
use of probiotics for treating Clostridium difficile infection in the community setting. However,
some people choose to incorporate it into their daily diet, e.g. by taking “live yoghurt”.
If you require help or further information about the use of antibiotics, please contact Janice
Moorekite, Antibiotic Pharmacist, Medway PCT 01634 382895