Calls to reduce antibiotic use
Antibiotic use should be limited to reduce resistance, government says
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Monday, 04, Feb 2008 12:31
The government has urged doctors to reduce antibiotic prescriptions for patients with the common cold to limit people's resistance to the drug.
Nearly a decade ago a national campaign was launched to remind doctors of the problem of antibiotic resistance, but the government says resistance is still increasing.
As such a new campaign has been launched today to ensure antibiotics are used only when necessary so that their effectiveness is maintained.
Adverts are to appear in newspapers and magazines and posters and leaflets will be distributed in GPs' surgeries and pharmacies.
"Antibiotic resistance is becoming more common and in recent years fewer new antibiotics have been discovered," said chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson.
"Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but all colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses so cannot be cured with antibiotics."
He added: "The more we take antibiotics when they are not necessary, the more bacteria will become resistant to them.
"We must all play a part in conserving antibiotics as a valuable clinical resource. Patients can take other remedies to help relieve the symptoms of a cough or cold. Their pharmacist is well placed to give them advice."
In 2006/7 the NHS spent over £175 million on antibiotics prescribed in the community.