Understanding Appropriate Antibiotic Usage

Author: Kelli Grambeau,FNP

Antibiotics have been a cornerstone of modern medicine since their discovery, significantly reducing mortality from bacterial infections. However, the rise of antibiotic resistance is a pressing public health challenge, making it essential for healthcare providers and patients alike to understand the principles of appropriate antibiotic usage.  At Coeur Vitality Family Medicine we recognize there is a time and place for antibiotic intervention, but also strive to be thoughtful and responsible in our use of antibiotics to minimize harms, and keep this valuable tool effective for future generations.

Balancing benefits and risks

Advancements in medicine and treatments can be invaluable tools.  Sometimes, interventions and prescription treatments can create unintended side effects apart from the known benefits.  For example: while targeting harmful bacteria, antibiotics can also attack your beneficial gut biome, which can stress your body. Being knowledgeable and mindful of this inherent need for balance and critical evaluation is the key to getting the most out of medicine while limiting unintended consequences.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medications designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are not effective against viral infections like the common cold or influenza. Different classes of antibiotics target specific types of bacteria, and the choice of antibiotic depends on the infection's origin and severity- this is part of the art of medicine: knowing what tools to use when fighting an infection.

When are antibiotics necessary, and when should they be prescribed?

1. Confirmed bacterial infections: Conditions such as strep throat, bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections often require targeted antibiotic treatment.

2. Preventive measures: In special circumstances, antibiotics may be used prophylactically to prevent infection such as after a large dirty wound that has high risk of becoming infected, with certain surgeries to minimize risks of surgical infections, or in immunocompromised patients that have high risk of poor outcomes in the event of a bacterial infection.

The Importance of Appropriate Usage:

1. Preventing antibiotic resistance: Misuse and overuse of antibiotics contribute to developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can complicate treatment for common infections, making them harder to treat, and in turn, increasing patient complications and healthcare costs.

2. Ensuring effectiveness: This goes hand-in-hand with preventing herd resistance: Using antibiotics only when necessary on an individual basis helps preserve their effectiveness, and limits the possibility of complications from side effects. This ensures that they will work effectively when they are truly needed.

3. Choosing appropriately targeted antibiotic: Different antibiotics target different types of bacteria.  An antibiotic that treats a urinary tract infection may not be the same antibiotic that will effectively treat an ear infection.  It is important for your provider to be thoughtful in choosing appropriate coverage for the targeted infection.  Likewise, an antibiotic left-over in your cupboard may not be the appropriate antibiotic to address your current concerns, so make sure you always consult with your provider before starting an antibiotic on your own.

4. Minimizing side effects: Antibiotics can have side effects, ranging from mild (like nausea) to severe (like allergic reactions or Clostridium difficile colitis infections). Appropriate prescribing and precautions can minimize these risks.  In some cases use of probiotic supplements post antibiotics can help to replenish healthy gut flora that are frequently diminished with antibiotic use.

Guidelines for appropriate antibiotic usage:

- Consult a healthcare provider: Always seek medical advice before using antibiotics. Self-diagnosing and treating can lead to lack of effectiveness, injury, or other unintended consequences.

- Complete the prescribed course: If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course, even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can allow some bacteria to survive and become resistant.

- Avoid sharing antibiotics: Never use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness or share with others. Different infections require different treatments.

- Practice good hygiene: Preventing infections through good hygiene practices and safe food handling can reduce the need for antibiotics.

- Educate yourself and others: Understanding antibiotics and their appropriate use can help inform your decisions and promote safer practices in your community.

Bringing it all together:

We love science at Coeur Vitality Family Medicine, and are proponents of the evidence-based approach to our care.  We are also nature-enthusiasts, with a faith in the strength of our natural defenses, and physiologic systems of checks and balances to maintain health.  Antibiotics are powerful tools in fighting bacterial infections, but their misuse poses serious risks to public health. By adhering to guidelines on appropriate usage, we can help combat antibiotic resistance, ensure the effectiveness of these medications, and protect our communities. Always prioritize communication with your healthcare provider regarding the necessity and appropriateness of antibiotic treatment.