We should all care when patients get too many Z-paks

Many people seem to believe that the Z-pak possesses magical qualities. Patients come in requesting it for the common cold, because it worked for them in the past. Not only do many believe it cures the common cold, but they think it can treat any infection. Have a urinary tract infection? Just ask your doctor to prescribe a Z-pak! Sniffles got you under the weather? Do the same! Anyone who believes these myths is setting themselves up for bigger problems down the road. A common cold is caused by a virus, typically a rhinovirus, that is not treated with antibiotics. In fact, antibiotics have no powers over any viruses, mythical or otherwise. The best treatment for viruses is best-rest, fluids, and symptomatic care. It will get better in 2-3 days whether or not a patient takes antibiotics or not. The Z-pak is not the best antibiotic for all bacterial infections. It may have worked great for your ear infection but will not do much for a urinary tract infection because this is caused by different types of bacteria. The choice of antibiotic should be targeted at the specific kind of bacteria causing an infection. Why should we care if someone takes a Z-pak if they don’t really need it? Side effects. All medications have side effects. Some of them can be quite benign but some can lead to lethal consequences. Bacterial resistance. Bacteria can build resistance to antibiotics if they are used too often. Over time, those antibiotics stop working against those bacteria and stronger...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Meds Infectious Disease Medications Source Type: blogs