PaperDabba News Desk: 3rd October 2024
In a crucial move, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued significant guidelines regarding the use of antibiotics in India. The commission has particularly emphasized caution while prescribing and using the antibiotic ‘Tetracycline’ for treating common diseases like Typhus, Tick Fever, Respiratory Infections, Cholera, and Malaria. India, known for being one of the largest consumers of antibiotics globally, needs to adopt responsible practices to prevent overuse.
Growing Concern of Antibiotic Overuse in India
India has emerged as one of the leading countries in antibiotic consumption. The overuse of antibiotics has led to a severe rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a significant challenge to public health. With the widespread use of medicines like Tetracycline, bacteria develop resistance, making infections more challenging to treat.
IPC’s guidelines urge doctors to consider their prescriptions and recommend alternatives where possible carefully. For patients, the message is clear: always follow medical advice and avoid self-medication, which could lead to severe complications.
What is Tetracycline, and Why the Warning?
Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including Typhus, Malaria, and certain respiratory infections. Due to its wide application, it is one of India’s most commonly prescribed antibiotics. However, inappropriate or excessive use can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of drugs. This makes common infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis much more challenging to treat.
The IPC stresses that patients should never use antibiotics without proper consultation from a qualified medical professional. Additionally, doctors are urged to monitor the antibiotic course, ensuring it is necessary and used for the correct duration.
Impact of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is already causing significant challenges in the healthcare system. Infections that were once easily treatable are now becoming life-threatening due to resistant bacteria. Moreover, the lack of new antibiotic developments further worsens the situation.
The government has been actively promoting campaigns on responsible antibiotic usage to curb the rise of resistance. However, unless both healthcare providers and patients become more vigilant, the problem will continue to grow.
Critical Guidelines for Doctors and Patients
Doctors are advised to prescribe antibiotics like Tetracycline only when necessary. They should avoid using it as a first-line treatment unless other options are available.
Patients are urged to complete their prescribed course of antibiotics and avoid stopping midway, a common cause of resistance.
Both doctors and patients should avoid using antibiotics for viral infections, like the common cold or flu, where they have no impact.
Ultimately, addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance requires a collective effort. Both medical professionals and patients must adhere to these guidelines to safeguard public health in the long run.
