SCHOOL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS
SCHOOL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
What are bacteria?
• Bacteria are organisms consist of only one
cell.
• They can increase in number with varying
shapes.
• Bacteria can be found everywhere, inside and
on our bodies.
• Some bacteria are useful and some are
harmful.
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What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by GERMS called bacteria. Antibiotics have the ability to
kill or stop the growth of bacteria. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections
Bacterial infections:
• Bladder infection• Throat infection• Severe sinus infection - lasting
two or more weeks• Skin infections• Urinary tract infections
Viral infections:
• Bronchitis• Common cold - stuffy nose,
sneezing, headache• Flu (influenza)• Most coughs
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What are antibiotics?
• In Malaysia, antibiotics are poison B medicines. • Antibiotics can only be prescribed by:
Registered Medical Practitioner
Dentist
Veterinary doctor
Antibiotics can
only be bought at
the pharmacy with
a doctor’s
prescription
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Types of antibiotics Macrolides• Azithromycin (Zithromax)• Clarithromycin (Biaxin) Cephalosporins• Cephalexin (Celexin)• Cefuroxime (Efurox, Zinacef)
FluoroquinolonesCiprofloxacin (Ciprox)Norfloxacin (Noroxin) PenicillinAmoxicillin (Amoxil)Cloxacillin (Tegopen, Cloxacap)
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Types of antibiotics
TetracyclinesTetracycline (Sumycin)Doxycycline (Doxycap) AminoglycosidesAmikacin (Amikin)Neomycin (Mycifradin) CarbapenemsErtapenemImipenem-Cilastatin (Primaxin)
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) Rifampin (Rifadin) SulfonamideTrimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)Sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol)
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Formulations of antibiotics
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AdministrationOral
• The most preferred, cheap and easy to administer but it not reliable in patients with severe infections and non-compliant patients.
• Not all antibiotics are available for oral administration.
Injection• Antibiotics can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. • This is the best method to the patient that has severe
infections. However, it is painful. • Some antibiotics are not available for parenteral use.
Topical• Application on the skin.
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Uses of antibiotics
Treatment of an infection caused by bacteria
Prevent bacteria from reproducing
Not effective against viruses
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Irrational use of antibiotics
Irrational use of antibiotics
Use too many medicines
Inadequate dosage for non
bacterial infection
Inappropriate route of
administration of antibiotics
Failure to prescribe in
accordance with clinical guidelines
Inappropriate self-medication
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Factors that need to be considered when taking antibiotics
BabyAntibiotics for example chloramphenicol and sulphonamides are not
suitable for babies and cause adverse effects such as ‘Gray Baby syndrome’ and kernicterus.
Pregnant and breastfeeding motherCertain antibiotics may harm the growing fetus and the baby. Antibiotics
considered safe for use during pregnancy are penicillin, cephalosporin (cephalexin) and erythromycin. However, tertacycline should be avoided.
ChildrenTetracycline and quinolone affect the bone and teeth development and
should be prevented.
AdultMost antibiotics can be taken by adults but it must be for the right patient
at the right dose, dosage form and time.
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Factors that need to be considered when taking antibiotics
Drug
Hypersensitivity in patient
towards certain antibiotics
Drug-drug or drug-food
interaction
Dose of antibiotics must be right in accordance to
patients’ age/weight and medical
condition
Cost of antibiotics must be
economically cost-effective
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Side effects
Severe watery diarrhea
White patches on tongue
Nausea
Vomiting Abdominal cramps
Common side effects
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Side effects
Allergic reactions
Swelling of lips
Rash
Shortness of breath
Fainting
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Importance of taking full course of antibiotics
Prevent spread and development of
bacterial resistance towards antibiotic
Make sure all bacteria are killed
antibiotics resistance!!To prevent
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What is antibiotic resistance?
• Antibiotic resistance is a condition occurs when antibiotics lose ability to kill bacteria and no longer effective to treat infection.
• This condition happens when antibiotics are used :
Too often
Repeated use
Inappropriate use such as not taking a full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor
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……………...
You’re gonna die! haha
Oh no..! Help me
You think you are clever? I’m
cleverer than you..haha
If do not take full course antibiotics, antibiotics
resistance occur.
Function of antibiotics
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Does patient that has bacteria infection be given the same antibiotics?
Patient may have the same sign and symptom of an infection but it is
caused by different bacteria. Hence, we should seek the doctor to identify the type of bacteria and give
suitable antibiotic to fight the bacteria. Nature and seriousness of the
infection, patient’s age, disorder present, other drugs being taken also
influence the choose and effectiveness of the antibiotic.
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Guideline for rational used of antibiotics
Practice your rights as a smart consumer - Ask your doctor/pharmacist about your medications.
When a doctor prescribes antibiotics to you, ask him or her about the indication of the antibiotics and possible side effects.
Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics to prevent the existence of antibiotics resistance. Do not skip doses.
Avoid taking antibiotics in double amount if you forget to take it.
Never take antibiotics without a prescription.
Do not "demand" antibiotics from your doctors if they do not prescribe it to you.
Practice good personal hygiene to prevent common infection.
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Where to find the information about antibiotics?
If you have any problems regarding antibiotics, you can refer to your nearest pharmacists and doctors.
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THANK YOU.THANK YOU.