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News
Over–prescription of antibiotics a concern
Thursday, 12 July 2007
By REBECCA GARDINER
• Howick and Pakuranga Times
AN infectious disease specialist at Middlemore Hospital wants the community to curb its use of antibiotics to prevent the growth of super bugs.
Dr David Holland says the overuse of antibiotics is a global issue needing closer attention from medical professionals and at grassroots level.
“A lot of colds and respiratory tract infections don’t require antibiotics,” says Dr Holland. “They aren’t the solution to the problem.”
According to Pharmac statistics, 345 prescriptions were handed out for every 1000 people in the Counties Manukau region in 2006, a slight increase from 325 the year before.
Programmes highlighting appropriate use of antibiotics are widespread during winter and Dr Holland believes campaigns should run throughout the year.
“It should be a constant campaign to educate the public.”
He says GPs may over-prescribe antibiotics as a result of pressure from patients.
“There’s nothing more discomfiting when a patient steadfastly wants an antibiotic,” he says.
“Sometimes in the medical profession we assume people want antibiotics, but often they just want an explanation. But you can’t miss things that do need antibiotics. That’s the other side of the coin.”
Pharmac medical director Dr Peter Moodie echoes this view, pointing to a recent Colmar Brunton survey of 500 people.
“A quarter surveyed said they felt disappointed if they turned up to a doctor with a cold or the flu and went away without an antibiotic,” says Dr Moodie.
“Young adults aged 20-29 appear to have the highest expectations. It’s important that antibiotics are not over-prescribed as this can lead to bacterial resistance developing.”
Dr Holland describes it as the “global warming of medicine” and says more needs to be done to reduce the “antibiotic footprint” both nationally and internationally.
“Everyone’s contribution of prescribing antibiotics contributes to the problem.”
