Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 27 No. 2 2004
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are important to help the body fight infections caused by bacteria, however some of these infections get better on their own. Other infections are caused by viruses so antibiotics do not cure them. This means antibiotics should usually only be used when the infection is caused by bacteria and is not going to get better on its own. Antibiotics are not needed for the common cold [see www.gottacold.com].
When too many antibiotics are used bacteria become resistant to them. The antibiotics no longer work. Some bacteria are now resistant to most antibiotics. To stop more antibiotics becoming useless they should be used only when required. Be sure to ask your doctor how long to take them.
