“Antibiotics are uniquely societal drugs because individual use effects others in the community and environment.”
— Dr. Stuart Levy, Former President of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics.
The general advice from clinicians regarding adherence focuses on three key areas to ensure effective treatment for the individual and to combat the global threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
1) Take Exactly as Prescribed: This is the most crucial part of adherence.
a) Complete the full course, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early may leave some bacteria alive, increasing the risk of the infection returning and potentially fostering drug-resistant strains.
b) Follow the exact dosage and timing instructions.
2) Use Only When Necessary: Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. They do not work against viruses, which cause illnesses like the common cold, flu, and most sore throats. Taking them unnecessarily contributes to resistance.
3) Never Share or Use Leftovers:
a) Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else, as they may be the wrong drug or dose for your specific infection.
b) Do not save leftover antibiotics for a future illness.
Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur 
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