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Overuse of Antibiotics Harmful

AJMAN — People going in for antibiotics without consulting the physician may endanger their health, Dr Tha’ir Al Ani, medical director of the Ajman Speciality Hospital (ASH) and paediatrics specialist said. Doctors should follow the norms before prescribing antibiotics taking into consideration the condition of the patient including age and weight, Dr Al Ani said at a seminar held recently at
the hospital.

The lecture attended by doctors from Ajman, Sharjah and Dubai is part of ASH’s continuous education programmes and monthly medical meetings. “There is no place for antibiotics for the treatment of the common viral infections which communities frequently suffer from, like common colds and influenza. The doctor can
best determine on the right antibiotic for the patient’s condition,” Dr Ani told Khaleej Times. Dr Mohammad Jarrar, marketing director at Al Hikma Pharmaceutical Company, which mainly produces antibiotics, said patients in general go for antibiotics without prescription, and such overuse is increasing, particularly in winter.

“There is nearly 10 to 20 per cent increase annually in antibiotics use here. The overuse even hit 60 per cent with some types,” Dr Jarrar said. “The negative impact of proper use of antibiotics pushes pharmaceutical companies to produce many generations of an antibiotic, and even in large quantities.”

Dr Emad Ahmed, preventive medicine consultant at the Ministry of Health, said the bacterial resistance of antibiotics is the main problem of haphazard use of such medication.

“The problem is not limited to individuals. It rather has health, economic and social effects,” said Dr Ahmed, “Both residents and doctors need to be aware that antibiotics are only prescribed in urgent cases, following culture and lab tests.” Dr Ayad Al Saleh, public health specialist, said a physician’s prescription is necessary for using antibiotics, and not in simple cases, such as common cold or diaorrhea.

“Haphazard and overuse of antibiotics is common in Arab countries, as is the case with Iraq of around 25 million in population which uses triple the amount in Britain, as per recent statistics,” said Dr Al Saleh.

“Unwise use of antibiotics may even kill the normal bacteria, which are mostly found in large bowels. This disturbs the immunity of the body, and prevents useful bacteria from producing Vitamin K.”

The Department of Pharmaceutical Services at the Department of Health and Medical Services, in September 2007, issued a handbook on antibiotics, which doctors and pharmacists should consult before prescribing antibiotics.

The guidebook contains details about the causes for specific medical conditions, how to prescribe the right antimicrobial drug, in which cases, and what dose to prescribe.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.ae