Abstract

CABRERA, Susana. Rational and responsible use of antimicrobials. Arch. Med Int [online]. 2009, vol.31, n.2-3, pp.74-80. ISSN 0250-3816.

Antimicrobials are considered one of the most important contributions to improve people’s health achieved through pharmaceutical research. Their inappropriate use entails important deleterious consequences, contributing to the selection of bacterial resistance, poor therapeutic results, unnecessary adverse effects and a negative economic impact. Several strategies have been attempted to ensure a rational use of antibiotics, ranging from educational to regulatory or tax-related measures. A successful impact may require the implementation of a set of these measures in a complementary form, and the joint work of multidisciplinary teams. The implementation of policies for the rational use of antibiotics requires the commitment of specialists, institutions and health authorities. These policies must be necessarily based on the education of prescribers and general public, creating awareness on the benefits derived from rationalization in the use of antibiotics, both at an individual anda collective level. The update herein revises the criteria that should guide the selection of an antibiotic so its prescription may be cost-effective both in community and nosocomial settings.

Keywords : Use of antibiotics; Rational use of antibiotics; Programs for the use of antibiotics.

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