About Antibiotics

A recent Gallup Survey found that 83% of Canadians lack knowledge about antibiotics. There are serious misconceptions about antibiotic use; it's my job to combat those misconceptions. So read on. ..maybe you're in the majority and I can help you too!

Antibiotics are used to kill or harm specific bacteria. The first antibiotics discovered in the 1930's; today there are drugs that save lives by curing diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis and meningitis; antibiotics also clear up many other infections, making life more enjoyable for all of us.

  Because bacteria are living organisms, they are always changing in an effort to resist the drugs that we use to kill them. Incorrect use of antibiotics allows bacteria to adapt to the drugs and become resistant, meaning that the antibiotics are no longer useful. The way things are going now, in the near future there may not be any antibiotics left to combat some strains of bacteria.

So, you ask, how am I supposed to use these powerful bug killers? Here's a list of important DOs and DON'Ts for taking  antibiotics:

  1. DO discuss the prescription with your pharmacist. It's important to know exactly how to take the medicine so it can work most effectively for you.

  2. DO take the antibiotic at the same time each day. You'll probably be prescribed more than one dose per day; it's important to continue taking the medication at regular intervals through the day because it stays in your system a certain amount of time. If you let the level decrease too much, the medication can no longer fight as effectively against the bacteria.

3. DO take all of the medication, even if you begin to feel better. By stopping before the end of the prescription, you may not kill all the bacteria. They can become resistant, making your infection even worse and much harder to treat.

4. DON'T insist that the doctor prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics can only cure bacterial infections. They are USELESS against a cold, the flu or other viral infections.

5. DON'T share other people's antibiotics or use old prescriptions. Individual antibiotics are effective against specific bacteria; never assume that the leftover ones in your medicine cabinet (that shouldn't be left over anyway, because you're supposed to finish all of them!) do the trick for you this time. If you take a look in your cabinet tonight and find some leftovers, bring them to the pharmacy for disposal.

6. DON'T ignore unexpected side effects. Give the pharmacist a call if you experience anything "unusual" while taking your medication.

If we all remember to follow these simple guidelines, not only ~ we be feeling better faster when we get sick, but we'll be ensuring that the medications available ~ continue to be useful in the years to come. That's a bit of insurance for our kids -fewer "superbugs" to contend with as they get older.