Self Medication of Antibiotics: Inappropriate Use

Study Notes

Definition: Taking antibiotics without a valid prescription or medical supervision
Common scenarios:
- Using leftover antibiotics from a previous infection or borrowing from others
- Purchasing antibiotics over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription
- Continuing antibiotics beyond the prescribed duration
Reasons for inappropriate use:
- Misconceptions about antibiotic effectiveness against viral infections
- Lack of access to healthcare services
- Pressure to return to work or daily activities quickly
- Self-diagnosis and self-treatment

Definition: The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making them ineffective against infections
Consequences of antibiotic resistance:
- Increased risk of treatment failure and prolonged illness
- Higher risk of complications and hospitalization
- Increased healthcare costs
- Spread of resistant bacteria in the community
Contribution of self-medication to antibiotic resistance:
- Incomplete or incorrect treatment leads to selective pressure on bacteria, promoting resistance
- Overuse and misuse of antibiotics accelerate the emergence of resistant strains
- Resistant bacteria can spread to others, including family members, healthcare workers, and the community
Impact on public health:
- Antibiotic resistance threatens our ability to treat common infections, making even minor infections potentially life-threatening
- Resistance limits treatment options for serious infections, such as sepsis and pneumonia

Inappropriate use refers to antibiotic consumption without a prescription or medical guidance.
Common practices include using leftover antibiotics or borrowing from others, purchasing OTC antibiotics, and extending the treatment period beyond what was prescribed.
Reasons contributing to inappropriate use include:
- Misunderstanding antibiotics' effectiveness, particularly against viral infections.
- Limited accessibility to healthcare services causing individuals to self-treat.
- External pressure to resume work or daily activities leading to hasty self-medication.
- Reliance on self-diagnosis which can result in incorrect treatment.

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial treatments, rendering them ineffective.
Consequences of antibiotic resistance include:
- Increased likelihood of treatment failures and longer recovery times.
- Elevated risk of severe complications and the need for hospitalization.
- Escalating financial costs for healthcare due to prolonged treatments.
- Potential spread of resistant bacteria within the community, affecting public health.
Self-medication contributes to antibiotic resistance through:
- Incomplete or inappropriate courses of antibiotics that create selective pressure, allowing resistant bacteria to flourish.
- Overuse and misuse that hasten the development of resistant strains.
- The potential for resistant bacteria to spread to others, including vulnerable populations like family members and healthcare workers.
Public health impact involves:
- Antibiotic resistance hinders treatment options for common infections, raising the stakes for even minor illnesses.
- Resistance complicates treatment for severe infections like sepsis and pneumonia, limiting effective medical responses.

Self-medication with antibiotics involves using antibiotics without a prescription or medical guidance, which can lead to significant health risks.
Inappropriate use includes taking antibiotics for non-bacterial infections, excessive dosages, or prolonged treatment durations.

Limited access to healthcare services and delays in seeking medical advice contribute to self-medication practices.
Misunderstandings about antibiotics' effectiveness against viral infections often lead individuals to misuse them.
Social pressure from family and friends can result in hasty decisions to treat symptoms with antibiotics.
Past experiences with antibiotics for similar symptoms may encourage individuals to self-prescribe.
Self-diagnosis through online information can result in incorrect treatment choices without medical consultation.

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical outcome, as overuse and misuse create resistant bacteria, lessening treatment effectiveness for future infections.
Allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, and other side effects may occur from taking antibiotics without professional oversight.
Inappropriate antibiotic use can slow down recovery from infections by failing to address the actual cause.
Symptoms may be masked temporarily, leading to delays in diagnosing and treating the underlying medical conditions.

Utilizing leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses or those prescribed to others increases the risk of misuse.
Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, is a prevalent mispractice.
Treating minor complaints like sore throats or coughs with antibiotics without proper medical evaluation can be harmful.
Using antibiotics as a preventive measure rather than in response to a diagnosed infection is another common misapplication.