Implications of Overprescription of Antibiotics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The use of antibiotics in recent years has become more aggressive and more common. The inappropriate use, to be more precise, the abuse of these prescriptions, is the root cause for increasing bacterial resistance and adverse outcomes. Antisepsis can be suggested as an appropriate alternative to antibiotics, to control the increasing antibiotic resistance among individuals. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the awareness of antibiotic prescription and resistance among BDS and MDS practitioners and students. Materials and Methods: A total of 361 dental professionals were included in this study. Each of them was given a questionnaire containing questions pertaining to antibiotic prescription and awareness. Results: Most of the participants prescribed antibiotics as pre and post treatment management of all the oral diseases during their routine interaction with the patients. Overprescription of antibiotics, amoxicillin being the most common, was significantly more among the BDS practitioners than the MDS practitioners. BDS practitioners (78%) preferred a 3-day antibiotic prescription whereas MDS practitioners (80%) prescribed a 5-day course, which was statistically significant. Mindfulness with respect to antimicrobial prophylaxis and antibiotic resistance was observed to be satisfactory in both the groups. However, there was a general absence of mindfulness with respect to the rules for antibiotic prescription recommendations in both the groups. Conclusion: Antibiotic prescription should be given with care to prevent its resistance, an upcoming iatrogenic health hazard.

Antibiotic abuse during endodontic treatment: A contributing factor to antibiotic resistance

“…The literature shows that there is irrational use of antibiotics in dental community. [89] It is estimated that up to 10% of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care dentistry[10] for prophylaxis or therapeutic reasons. Primary care dentists are largely independent prescribers and their prescribing decisions are normally made without restriction and supervision.…”

Rothia nasimurium as a Cause of Disease: First Isolation from Farmed Geese

“…In addition, the mechanism by cefazolin that acts as the only effective antibiotic in the beta-lactam group requires further investigation. Increased drug resistance of bacteria could be effectively avoided through targeted therapy [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. At the same time, the evolution and spread of bacterial drug resistance could be reduced [ 31 ].…”

Análise observacional de pacientes submetidos a profilaxia antimicrobiana para realização de procedimentos de Implantodontia e Exodontia

“…Além de reduzir o risco de infecções, o manejo correto na prescrição de antibióticos na profilaxia, diminui o uso total dos antibióticos, os custos com os cuidados de saúde e o surgimento de bactérias resistentes 4 . No entanto, tem se observado nos últimos anos um aumento na incidência de infecções resistentes à terapia antimicrobiana, esse processo é definido como um fenômeno biológico natural, mas é impulsionado pelo uso de maneira inadequada e indiscriminada de antimicrobianos 4,5 . O aumento da resistência bacteriana pelo uso indiscriminado de antibióticos é um problema de saúde pública e tem sido discutido em vários estudos [6][7][8][9] .…”