Antibiotic Awareness Day - Pharmacists warn overuse of antibiotics is putting patients’ health at risk

Friday, 18 November 2011 10:05

Pharmacists advise “Antibiotics are wasted on colds and flu”

Pharmacists are warning patients that they may be putting their health at risk through the inappropriate or incorrect use of antibiotics. Helping to launch European Antibiotic Awareness Day, which takes place today, pharmacists are advising patients not to take antibiotics for common colds and flu. Patients who are feeling unwell should visit their local pharmacist who can advise them on whether a visit to the GP is necessary.

Darragh O’Loughlin, pharmacist and President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, said, “Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria; however, they are not effective against viruses.  The common cold and sore throats are generally caused by viruses and will ultimately clear up on their own. As antibiotics are not effective against viruses, they are not the correct treatment for these illnesses. Your local pharmacist can advise on appropriate medications to relieve your symptoms.”

“Taking antibiotics for the wrong reason, or taking them incorrectly, can cause bacteria to develop resistance against antibiotics.  Not alone can resistance develop in the individual patient, but there is an extended risk to the effectiveness of antibiotics in the wider population in the future.  

“The message is simple: ‘when you have a cold or flu, antibiotics just won’t do’”, Mr. O’Loughlin added.

For those patients who do genuinely need to take an antibiotic, pharmacists are issuing the following advice:

• Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed and follow the advice given by your pharmacist about how and when to take them.
• Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
• Do not share your medication with others.
• Know the potential side effects of antibiotics and how they might be avoided. (Side effects can include stomach upsets, diarrhoea, thrush and, occasionally, allergic reactions).

Mr O’Loughlin said, “If medication has been prescribed for you, never give them to a sick friend or relative. As well as potentially causing unwanted side effects, some people can experience a severe allergic reaction to certain antibiotics. So never take them unless they have been specifically prescribed for you by your doctor.”

Information leaflets for patients on the correct use of antibiotics are available in pharmacies nationwide.