Have you ever left the hospital or pharmacy with a prescription in hand, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the long list of instructions and potential side effects?

Well, those blister packs or little envelopes brimming with pills might be antibiotics, a powerful weapon against bacterial infections.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), antibiotics are medicines that stop infections caused by bacteria, either by killing the bacteria or preventing them from reproducing.

In Kenya, studies indicate that approximately 44 per cent of individuals use antibiotics to treat various illnesses.

Despite their widespread use, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that while antibiotics can save lives, they also come with risks.

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Every time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where bacteria survive despite the presence of the medication, rendering some treatments ineffective.

To ensure antibiotics remain effective, here are four rules of the game every patient should adhere to.

Don't take Antibiotics to treat viruses

Antibiotics are designed to combat bacterial infections and are ineffective against viruses. Common illnesses such as the cold, flu, many types of bronchitis, most sore throats and the stomach flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will not help in treating these conditions.

Only take antibiotics when necessary

Antibiotics should only be used for specific bacterial infections like strep throat, whooping cough and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some bacterial infections, such as mild sinus and ear infections, may resolve on their own without antibiotics.

Strictly follow the prescription

Always use antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Finish the full course, even when you start feeling better, and never re-use antibiotics or share them with others.

Report side effects

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to side effects like nausea, diarrhoea and yeast infections.

If you experience any of these or more side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

In Kenya, adverse reactions can be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) at the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.