Antibiotic Stewardship

Question 1

What are the main causes of antibiotic resistance?

Answer 1

Availability of antibacterials without a prescription in some countries. Patient demand for antibacterials for inappropriate infections. Failure of patients to complete the prescribed course. Overuse and misuse of antibacterials in humans, animals, and agriculture.

Question 2

When there is clinical uncertainty about a condition, what can be done to offer an alternative to immediate antibiotic prescribing?

Answer 2

Back-up or delayed prescribing.

Question 3

Antimicrobials should not be prescribed for self-limiting conditions, give some examples of these.

Answer 3

Acute otitis media, acute cough, acute bronchitis, acute sore throat, acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, acute rhinosinusitis, common cold.