Secondly, a prescription should only be taken as directed. This scenario could set up a potentially deadly situation. When antibiotics are taken indiscriminately, the stage is set for the selection of resistant bacteria. With resistant bacteria infections, traditional treatments often fail and the patient becomes sicker, and may even die. This resistance can also be passed on to other bacteria, even those of different species.
Resistant bacteria pose an ever-increasing threat.
Several strains of the tuberculosis bacterium, resistant to one, two, or even three antibiotics, have been isolated. Outbreaks of these infections have made headlines recently. In summary, the use of antibiotics selects for resistant bacteria. These bacteria have the potential to evade treatment and possibly harm or even kill patients they infect. Strategies for reducing the current increase in antibiotic resistance include taking antibiotics as prescribed, and only when necessary, and avoiding the use of antibacterial products in the home.