Neurologist Dr. Ahmed Attar, Director of Quality Management and Head of the Organizing Committee for the Safe Use of Antibiotics Awareness Campaign which was launched in King Abdulaziz Medical City - Jeddah explained that antibiotics are drugs used specifically to combat and treat infections caused by bacteria, where antibiotics kill the bacteria or prevent it from multiplying in the human system. Dr. Attar mentioned that the doctor will only prescribe antibiotics when needed, as s/he who has the ability to recognize what type of bacteria is causing the disease and the type of appropriate antibiotics to be used by examining the symptoms on the patient or by conducting necessary lab tests.
He also explained that there are some types of bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics such as bladder infections, skin infections, sinus infection that lasts more than two weeks, sore throat and ear infections, and there are also types of viral infections that can not be treated by antibiotics such as cold, flu, coughs, respiratory tract infection and most cases of ear infections.
In addition, Dr. Attar emphasized the importance of consulting a doctor in case of any infection, because the use of antibiotics without a consultation could harm the patient, he also pointed out that the most important causes of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is the incorrect use of antibiotics such as not having the eating antibiotic doses regularly, stopping the using the antibiotics before the time set by the doctor, wrong prescription such as the use of antibiotics when not necessary and inappropriate choice of antibiotic or the wrong dose.
There are important tips that should be followed by the patient when using antibiotics:
•Do not take antibiotics without your doctor prescription.
•Follow your doctor’s and the pharmacist’s exact instructions when taking antibiotic s.
•Follow the time frame set by your doctor when taking antibiotics.
•Do not stop using antibiotics before the time frame set by your doctor, even if you feel better.
•Do not keep antibiotics to use at a later time.
•Do not share antibiotics prescribed to you with someone else.
•Do not use a prescription intended for someone else.
•You must throw away excessive medicine after you have finished the prescribed amount set by your doctor.
This awareness campaign targeted the visitors the outpatient clinics, the Cardiac Center, Princess Nora Oncology Center and all King Abdulaziz Medical City employees in Jeddah.
Last but not least, the awareness event will also be held in Al-Salam Mall on February 28th and March 1st, 2014 at 5 pm to raise awareness amongst community groups.