Pharmacists give away less and less antibiotics

Proper application can avoid resistance
Pharmacists in public pharmacies in Bremen are giving fewer and fewer antibiotics to their patients - in 2015, about 24% less than ten years earlier. This resulted in an analysis of prescriptions for legally insured persons by the German Drug Testing Institute e.V. (DAPI) on the occasion of the European Antibiotic Day on 18 November.
While in 2005 about 771.7 packs of antibiotics per 1000 insured were delivered, there were in 2010 about 674.1 packs and in 2015 only 587.0 packs per 1000 insured.

Image: Andrey Popov - fotolia

Donations of antibiotics in hospitals, prescriptions from dentists and the dues to private insured were not included. "Antibiotics are indispensable drugs, but they should not be used more often than necessary. As a healthcare professional, we therefore welcome the trend that fewer antibiotics are prescribed, "says Klaus Scholz, Vice President of the Pharmacists' Chamber.

Patients can avoid resistance through the proper use of antibiotics. Klaus Scholz: "In 2015, more than 587 packs of antibiotics were delivered to pharmacies in the state of Bremen. Every dispensing, the pharmacy team can inform about the correct use of antibiotics. In support of this we have developed the flyer "7 tips for the correct use of antibiotics" for patients. "The most important contents:

· Antibiotics should be taken as long and in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

· Ideally, take the tablets with a large glass of water. Some antibiotics are disturbed by interactions, eg. B. by the calcium from the milk.

· Residues of antibiotics should not be saved or taken by patients on their own in the next infection.

· Antibiotics should not be given to others.

· Antibiotics can be disposed of with household waste, but not over the toilet or sink. The disposal of antibiotics via the waste water spreads the substances into the environment and can thus promote the development of resistance. (Pm)