How and when to take antibiotics correctly?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide problem due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics, antiparasitics, antivirals and antifungals. This happens when drugs designed to treat infections lose their effect due to the ability of different microorganisms to modify themselves.

This global health threat shares space with such complex issues as air pollution and climate change. As well as non-communicable diseases, the global influenza pandemic (and now Covid-19), dengue fever and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Part of the impact of AMR is the negative effect on patient care outcomes, as well as on the costs of that care. It is also important to note that treatment options for AMR are limited.

But, above all, there are wide gaps in the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance between countries, leading to a global imbalance.

It is estimated that by 2050, 10 million people, per year, will die from problems associated with antimicrobial resistance.

"Perhaps it will arrive well before 2050 since the pandemic accelerated the inappropriate use of antimicrobials and hospital admissions, where most infections are generated," explained Dr. José Pablo Díaz, Clinical Pharmacist and director of the Antimicrobial Optimization Program (PROA) of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital.

But how and when to take antibiotics correctly? The specialist advised the following: only when the doctor or dentist prescribes it, and with the advice of a pharmacist, with particular information on how to proceed.

"There is international evidence that leads us to estimate that between 20% and 50% of the antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary or inappropriate," Diaz continued.

We can all help mitigate antimicrobial resistance, how?

1. Not pressuring prescribers to give us a prescription for antibiotics.
2. Ask if I really need the antibiotic?
3. Do not buy antibiotics without a prescription
4. Complete treatments
5. Do not share your treatment
6. Do not eat foods where antibiotics were used.

You can review all this information through the following video: