Learning About Wise Use of Antimicrobials

What are antimicrobials?

Antimicrobials are medicines used to kill microbes (germs). These germs include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They can cause infections.

Each type of germ has a type of medicine that will treat it. Examples include:

• Antibiotics like amoxicillin for bacteria.
• Antivirals like tamiflu for viruses.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan) for fungi.
• Metronidazole for parasites.

Why shouldn't you take them 'just in case'?

Don't take antimicrobial medicines when you don't need them, or "just in case." These medicines have side effects that include vomiting, diarrhea, and yeast infections. And they may not work as well later when you do need them.

Each time you take them, there's a risk that some germs aren't killed by the medicine. Those germs can change and become even harder to treat. Some of these germs are so strong that they can't be treated by any medicine. These are called antimicrobial-resistant microbes. They can cause more serious infections that last longer.

These tougher germs can spread to family, children, and coworkers. To treat them, you may need different, stronger medicines.

How can you take them wisely?

Always ask your doctor if antimicrobials are the best treatment. Explain that you don't want these medicines unless you need them.

If you do need them, make sure to take them as directed. If the label says to take the medicine at a certain time of day, follow those directions.

You need to take the full course of medicine. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. Taking the full course will help get rid of any germs that survive the first few days of treatment. It will also help prevent the growth of antimicrobial-resistant germs.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.