Doctors to spread awareness about antibiotic abuse

With the rampant use of antibiotics and rise in cases of resistance, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), an umbrella body of practicing pediatricians, has embarked on a mission called 'Avoid Antibiotic Abuse' to spread awareness about the importance of rational use of the medication among doctors and public.

The organisation, which has 23,000 members and over 325 branches in India, has decided to celebrate Antibiotic Awareness Week from September 28 to October 5. "September 28 has been declared Rational Antibiotic Day. Antibiotic resistance is a global public threat and increasingly making treatment of infectious diseases difficult. Therefore we decided to stop the antibiotic abuse by spreading awareness," said Dr Vijay Yewale, national president of IAP.

"Overuse, incorrect use and misuse or abuse of antibiotics occur due to various reasons. Most of the patients with fever and cold, cough and/ or loose motions are viral infections and don't need antibiotic treatment but are prescribed the same. Antibiotics are also easily available over the counter in our country. People need to be made aware that self-medication with antibiotics is dangerous," said Dr Yewale.

The IAP has joined hands with the Indian Medical Association, and will take out rallies, put up posters in waiting areas of clinics, hospitals and at chemist shops to educate people on the dangers of improper use of antibiotics throughout the awareness week.

Doctors often prescribe a broad spectrum of antibiotics to patients as they have to act quickly on insufficient information. These methods put selective pressure on microbes to evolve a resistance to the medication. In the recent past, data has revealed a six-fold increase in the number of antibiotics being popped by Indians.

Dr Yewale said that in pediatric cases, parents should not pressurise doctors for an antibiotic in order to get well faster. "They should also ask doctors why the medicine was prescribed and if it is really needed. They should also complete the entire course in correct doses, and adequate duration. Bacteria suppressed partially, when incompletely treated, learn to overcome the killing effect of antibiotics and start multiplying, making the antibiotic ineffective. Chemists should also refrain from selling antibiotics without a valid prescription," said Dr Yewale.