Health authorities have warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, warning of possible antimicrobial resistance that could make common treatments for illnesses ineffective.

Dr. Priyantha Atapattu of the National Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, addressing a media briefing, emphasizing the critical importance of responsible antibiotic use, said that widespread misuse and overuse of these drugs have been observed by medical professionals over the years. 

“Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in humans, animals, and plants. These antibiotic medications are either antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, or antiparasitic,” he explained. 

He advised the public to use these medications only under strict supervision and prescription. Before beginning treatment, the type of disease and its exact cause must be identified and only then should the correct medicine be selected, Dr. Atapattu said. 

Doctors report that many people take them without medical guidance, either using too much or too little, for illnesses that do not require them. 

This misuse leads to a greater problem, which is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where pathogens become resistant to medicines. As this resistance increases, the standard doses of antibiotics become ineffective, making common infections harder to treat and potentially life-threatening, he said.

“Since the discovery of Penicillin in 1928, hundreds of antibiotic medicines have been developed, but today, fewer than 200 effective antibiotic medicines remain in use due to this rising resistance. In 2019, the resistance contributed to an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide, though some reports indicate the number may be as high as 4.95 million,” Dr. Atapattu warned. 

If this trend continues, global deaths due to this problem are expected to reach 10 million per year by 2050.

The unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to treatment failures as well as permanent health damage, disability and death, the expert said. 

For this reason, health authorities strongly advise the public not to request antibiotics without a prescription, while pharmacists are urged not to dispense them without proper prescriptions. (Newswire)

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The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena has urged the public to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. 

Dr. Asela Gunawardena made the request during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.

He further said that antibiotics should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner, strictly adhering to the recommended dosage and duration.

Pointing out that some individuals obtain antibiotics directly from pharmacies, Dr. Gunawardena said obtaining medicines in such a manner, as well as, pharmacies providing medicines without proper prescriptions was wrong.

He further stated that taking antibiotics for fewer days than prescribed or continuing them beyond the prescribed period was also inappropriate. 

The Director General of Health Services noted that proper adherence to medical advice on antibiotic usage can significantly reduce costs and minimize the need for hospitalization. (Newswire)

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