Here are the ABCs of antibiotic prescribing, according to APIC.
Ask yourself if antibiotics are necessary and what alternative treatments are available.
Bacteria, not viruses, are targeted by antibiotics, so get a culture to determine antibiotic effectiveness when possible.
Conserve antibiotics by prescribing for the shortest duration possible when appropriate.
Don’t succumb to pressure from patients for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Educate patients on why antibiotics are not needed to treat colds or flu, most coughs, sore throats unrelated to strep, runny noses and most earaches.
To download the infographic, click here.
More articles on infection control:
San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak now at 18 deaths
14 sickened with mumps at Syracuse University
Short and prolonged antibiotic treatment yield similar health outcomes for certain bloodstream infections
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
