Antibiotics Guide: choices for common infections

BPAC, 2013. — 28 p.Choices for common infectionsIncreasing antimicrobial resistance is now a worldwide problem, compounded by the lack of development of new antimicrobial medicines. This leaves the prudent use of antimicrobial medicines, along with infection control, as the major strategies to counter this emerging threat.A safe and effective strategy for antibiotic use involves prescribing an antibiotic only when it is needed and selecting an appropriate and effective medicine at the recommended dose, with the narrowest spectrum of antimicrobial activity, fewest adverse effects and lowest cost.General principles of antibiotic prescribing:Only prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections if:
Symptoms are significant or severe
There is a high risk of complications
The infection is not resolving
Use first-line antibiotics first
Reserve broad spectrum antibiotics for indicated conditions only