Indiscriminate use of antibiotics without medical advice and the widespread failure to complete prescribed courses are accelerating the rise of multidrug-resistant superbugs, a growing public health threat that experts warn could one day rival—or even surpass—cancer in its deadly impact.
Dr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Associate Professor of Medicine at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), made these observations in an interview.
Explaining the context and patterns of antibiotic use, Dr. Hafizur Rahman noted that Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent lie within a tropical zone, where infectious diseases and infections are highly prevalent.
“Consequently, the use of antibiotics is extensive. However, such use must be rational. Rational use means prescribing antibiotics only to those who genuinely require them. Ensuring this begins with accurate diagnosis,” he said.
He added, “Subsequently, blood, urine, or swab cultures from the infected site must be conducted to identify the specific pathogen. Laboratory testing then determines which antibiotic is effective against that germ, and only that proven medication should be administered.”
Yet, selecting the correct drug alone is not sufficient; administering the appropriate dose and ensuring completion of the full prescribed course are indispensable components of effective treatment, said Dr Hafizur Rahman.
Highlighting the widespread misuse of antibiotics in the country, the physician said that antibiotics are alarmingly easy to obtain.
“Because pharmacies often sell them without prescriptions, many people purchase and consume antibiotics on their own initiative. Even more concerning is the tendency of some individuals to discontinue the medication after one or two doses as soon as they feel slightly better,” he said.
He said those who take antibiotics without consulting a physician rarely complete the full course, which is extremely harmful to the human body.
In addition, pharmacy attendants, village doctors, and unregistered practitioners in various areas frequently prescribe antibiotics, he said adding as a result of such indiscriminate use, antibiotics are steadily losing their effectiveness.
Warning about the side effects and risks of antibiotics, Dr Hafizur Rahman said excessive use is causing a wide range of long-term harm to the human body.
“Many antibiotics have significant adverse effects. Special caution is required when selecting antibiotics for patients with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or heart conditions—known in medical science as comorbid conditions,” he said.
In cases involving diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, or kidney failure, dosage adjustments are essential as some antibiotics can be toxic to the kidneys or liver, referred to as nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic drugs, he said.
Therefore, physicians must carefully consider whether a patient has other underlying conditions and assess liver and kidney function before selecting the medication with the least potential for side effects, he said.
Dr Hafizur Rahman said incorrect drug selection or excessive dosing can cause severe and irreversible damage to the kidneys and liver.
He further explained that improper use of antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic resistance within the body.
This will eventually give rise to multidrug-resistant organisms, or superbugs. Such pathogens will pose a grave challenge and threat to medical science.
In the future, these superbugs may become even more terrifying than cancer. At that stage, no antibiotic may work even for minor illnesses, and effective treatment options might simply cease to exist. This is not merely an individual problem but a dire warning signal for the entire nation and the global community.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman emphasized that addressing this crisis requires the strict enforcement of existing drug administration laws and regulations.
“The sale of antibiotics without a prescription from a registered physician must be completely prohibited. Pharmacy owners and dispensers must also be made fully aware of their responsibilities so that antibiotics are never sold without a valid prescription,” he said.
At the same time, physicians must review culture and sensitivity reports before prescribing antibiotics, he said.
The unnecessary use of multiple antibiotics simultaneously should be avoided, and drug selection must be made cautiously, taking into account the patient’s other medical conditions, said Dr Hafizur Rahman.
He added that the media must play a proactive role in curbing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. The prevailing tendency of purchasing and consuming antibiotics must be stopped, he said.
The physician said only by raising awareness at every level—among patients, drug sellers, and physicians alike—can antibiotic resistance and drug inefficacy be prevented.
He said this collective effort will also help safeguard future generations from the catastrophic threat posed by superbugs.
Source:BSS
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
