Overdosing Itself on

Antibiotics -

Who Really Needs Them?

Endorsed by:

Canadian Infectious Disease Society

Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists - Ontario Branch

Ontario Pharmacists' Association

Canadian Association of Medical Microbiologists

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important public health issues facing us today. Newspaper headlines detail the rise of new superbugs such as those causing the "Flesh-eating disease" and the return of old diseases like tuberculosis. This causes significant alarm for health care workers as well as the general public. The rise of these new infections is, in part, due to antibiotic resistance. In this pamphlet, we will explain what causes antibiotic resistance and what you can do to prevent it.

Antibiotics are drugs used to kill or harm specific bacteria. They have been used for over 50 years to treat many infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and meningitis. Before the discovery of antibiotics, people died from bacterial infections which today are easily treated.

Bacteria are microscopic life forms which can cause infections in human beings as well as in animals. Bacteriahave the ability to adapt quickly to their surroundings. Their goal is to survive and multiply, and they will change their outer coats to avoid being recognized and destroyed by antibiotics. This ability to adapt to their surroundings is the basis of antibiotic resistance. It is important to emphasize that bacteria are NOT the same as viruses.

Like bacteria, viruses are also microscopic life forms which may also cause infections. The common cold is the most common example of an infection caused by a virus. However, antibiotics are NOT useful in killing viruses.

When antibiotics are used incorrectly and too frequently, bacteria will adapt and change themselves to prevent being destroyed. Once these bacteria have changed, the antibiotic is no longer useful. The more exposure bacteria have to antibiotics, the more likely they are to develop resistance. For example, 50 years ago penicillin was effective in treating many infections; today its usefulness is limited because of antibiotic resistance. Worse, certain bacteria have now changed to the point where no antibiotics are useful.

Because of widespread overuse of antibiotics, some bacteria are no longer affected even by the strongest antibiotics. This means infections can be more severe, last longer, spread more quickly and even lead to death because there are no effective antibiotics available. The process of developing new antibiotics is long and costly. Bacteria can change much more quickly than we can develop new antibiotics.

Viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Most upper respiratory infections (such as common colds, flus and sore throats) are caused by viruses and should not be treated with antibiotics. Using antibiotics to treat virus infections allows existing harmless bacteria the chance to adapt and change and become resistant. Not taking an antibiotic exactly as prescribed for a bacterial infection can also allow the bacteria to develop resistance.

If your doctor recommends that an antibiotic is not necessary then follow his or her advice.

Many people expect or demand antibiotics for respiratory or other infections, even though most are viral and their doctor recommends that antibiotics are not necessary. This leads to antibiotic overuse and resistance.

Do not stop taking an antibiotic simply because you feel better.

Sometimes when antibiotics are prescribed correctly, people may not follow the directions and this can also lead to antibiotic resistance. It is very important to take the antibiotic for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Do not share antibiotics and return unused antibiotics to your pharmacist for proper disposal.

People are sometimes tempted to use leftover antibiotics, or to share their prescription. What works for one person might not be the right choice for another person or it may cause a severe reaction if someone has an allergy. Such use can also cause antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major problem. Correct use of antibiotics is the best way to ensure that these drugs remain useful in treating infections.

Developed through collaboration of the following organizations:

Canadian Infectious Disease Society

Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists -Ontario Branch

Ontario Pharmacists' Association

Additional copies of this brochure are available through the Ontario Pharmacists' Association, 23 Lesmill Road, Don Mills, ON M3P 3P6 Tel: (416) 441-0788 Fax: (416) 441-0791.

Canadian Infectious Disease Society, Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists - Ontario Branch, Ontario Pharmacists' Association, 1996