Proper Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics Logo “Get Smart” About Antibiotics

Antibiotics are invaluable medications for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Since they were first developed in the 1940s, antibiotics have saved millions of lives. When used correctly, they can make the difference between life and death.

But antibiotics have been overused, and as a result, have become less effective. Bacteria have adapted and developed resistance to many types of antibiotics. In recent years, patients have demanded antibiotics, even for viral infections where antibiotics are useless, and healthcare providers have provided them, even when they are of no value. In order to continue to have antibiotics work, they should be used only when they are truly necessary.

The information and links on this page have been designed to assist patients and healthcare providers understand when antibiotics should and should not be used.

What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that help cure certain illnesses like strep throat, urinary tract infections, and some ear and sinus infections. They will not cure-or even help-other illnesses such as: chest colds, bronchitis, and flu.

What If You're Not Sure You Need An Antibiotic?
Ask your doctor. He or she knows when you or your children need an antibiotic. Then trust your doctor's advice.

What Happens If You Take Antibiotics When You Don't Need Them?
If you or your children take an antibiotic when it's not needed, it loses its ability to fight infections. This means the next time you or your children really need the antibiotic, it might not work.

Antibiotics Do Not Work For:
Colds

Bronchitis

Flu

Green/Yellow Runny Nose

Antibiotics Do Work For:
Strep Throat

Urinary Tract Infections

Some Sinus Infections

If You Do Not Get An Antibiotic For Your Illness:
Get extra sleep.

Drink extra fluids.

Try a non-prescription pain reliever.

Try over-the-counter cold and cough medicine.

If You Do Get An Antibiotic For Your Illness:
Take the medication exactly as the doctor has instructed.

Always take the full prescription.

Never share prescription medicine with other family members or friends.

Materials in English and Spanish:

Brochures
	English Brochure
	Spanish Brochure
Rack Cards
	English Rack Card
	Spanish Rack Card
Print Materials
	Antibiotics Fact Sheet
	Antibiotics Article
	Antibiotics Press Release
Media
	English Antibiotics Radio Spot
	Spanish Antibiotics Radio Spot
Print Materials from the CDC
	Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work

For Patients: Patients play an important role in decreasing antibiotic resistance. If you are a patient, click on these links to find out what you can do.

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/index.html

For Clinicians: Healthcare providers want to provide the best care for their patients. This requires recognizing and communicating when antibiotics are necessary and when they are not. Find out what healthcare providers and healthcare institutions can do to be effective antibiotic stewards in the community.

Hand Hygiene Resources: The first step in decreasing infectious disease transmission is effective hand hygiene. Take a look at some of the resources available to promote effective hand hygiene.

http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/?s_cid=dhqp_009

Research and Reports: Read about some of the research that has been conducted into the use of clinical decision support systems to guide appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

For additional information about Antibiotics Are Not Always The Answer, or for samples of print materials, contact the

New Mexico Department of Health
(505) 827-0006

The CDC hotline
1-888-246-2675