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University of Wyoming

PROPER USE OF ANTIBIOTICS

In the event you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is to treat a BACTERIAL infection.  Antibiotics are NOT effective against viruses, and are therefore not prescribed for that purpose.
Antibiotic treatment of an upper respiratory infection (a cold) does not help the illness resolve faster, or prevent complications.
Purulent secretions (colored phlegm from the nose or chest) neither indicate bacterial infection nor benefit from antibiotic treatment.  Viral infections are the most common cause of purulent secretions.

- Group A Streptococcus (which causes Strep throat) is present in only 10% of adult patients with a sore throat.  90% of sore throats are viral, and do not resolve more quickly with antibiotic treatment.
- Sinusitis symptoms lasting less than 7 days are almost always due to viral illness, and do not resolve more quickly with antibiotic treatment.
- Bacterial sinusitis resolves without antibiotic treatment in most cases.  Antibiotics, therefore, should be limited to patients with moderate or severe symptoms.
- Bronchitis is most commonly caused by viruses, and therefore use of antibiotics are not recommended.
- In patients with a cough over three weeks duration, a chest x-ray should be performed to determine if pneumonia is present.  If not, antibiotic treatment is not recommended.

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medication, tell your health care provider! Know the specific name of the medication you are allergic to and the reaction that occurred.

 

If you are taking other medications, tell your health care provider. This includes oral contraceptives and over-the-counter medications.

 

Tell your health care provider if you use alcohol or drugs.

 

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotic UNTIL IT IS GONE! This is to ensure the bacterial infection is completely eradicated, so it cannot come back and make you sick again. It will also help keep the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

 

Ask about side effects, diet restrictions or interactions with other medicines. Ask your pharmacist for a free information sheet with your prescription. Information can also be found on the internet:

 

Antibiotic Resistance:
www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html
The Rise of Antibiotic Resistant Infections: www.fda.gov/fdac/features/795_antibio.html
When Antibiotics Quit Working
The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance: www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/antimicro.htm