For many diseases, antibiotics are a silver bullet.

For many diseases, antibiotics are a silver bullet.


For many diseases, antibiotics are a silver bullet. At least, they once were. Now, the one-size-fits-all approach to antibiotics may be causing more harm than good — even beyond contributing to antibiotic resistance.

In a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, scientists from Stanford University found that some of the most potent antibiotics were rarely called for but still commonly used, leading to one in 300 patients experiencing side effects grim enough to require a secondary doctor’s visit, and, in certain cases, even hospitalization.

Researchers used insurance claim data for some 23 million patients in all 50 states who were seen by doctors between 2002 and 2017.

Researchers looked at instances where patients did or did not receive oral antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection, and if those patients were later diagnosed with harmful side effects, which include a rash, diarrhea and even a life-threatening C. diff infection.

Sixty-two percent of the patients filled a prescription for an antibiotic.

For those who took antibiotics, the odds of being diagnosed with an adverse event increased to 30%. The study suggests that stewardship programs, designed to keep an eye on antibiotic prescription and subsequent usage, could help address the dilemma of overprescribed antibiotics and related health  issues.

The temptation to ask for an antibiotic to just “get through” an illness can be tempting. But, if research indicates anything, an unnecessary treatment could mean harmful side effects that far outweigh any perceived benefits.

 

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