What are the guidelines for prescribing antibiotics?

Antibiotics should be prescribed when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, and never for viral infections.

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. However, they should only be prescribed when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. This is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, which cause most common illnesses like colds and flu. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious global health problem.

The first step in prescribing antibiotics is to accurately diagnose the infection. This often involves laboratory tests to identify the bacteria causing the infection. Once the bacteria are identified, the appropriate antibiotic can be chosen. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria, the severity of the infection, the patient's health status and history, and the potential side effects of the antibiotic.

The dosage and duration of antibiotic treatment should be carefully determined. Too low a dose or too short a course can lead to treatment failure and promote antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, too high a dose or too long a course can cause side effects and also contribute to antibiotic resistance.

It's also important to educate patients about the proper use of antibiotics. Patients should be advised to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if they feel better before the course is finished. They should also be warned not to share antibiotics with others or use leftover antibiotics without a new prescription.

In summary, the guidelines for prescribing antibiotics involve careful diagnosis, appropriate choice of antibiotic, correct dosage and duration, and patient education. These guidelines are designed to maximise the effectiveness of antibiotics and minimise the risk of antibiotic resistance.