BEN MERRIMAN MPharm(Hons) MRPharmS, pharmacist with the Murrays group of pharmacies, talks about antibiotics and the increasing risk of resistance to them since their introduction nearly 90 years ago

THE discovery of penicillin in 1928 by Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming changed the face of modern healthcare forever. For the first time, we had a medicine that could treat infections caused by otherwise deadly bacteria and since then, countless lives have been saved by penicillin and other antibiotics subsequently discovered and created.

However, the bacteria that were susceptible to these drugs have evolved to overcome the methods used by antibiotics to kill them, meaning that some of the older and more commonly prescribed antibiotics have become less effective. The main reason for this resistance occurring is the history of overuse of antibiotics for conditions that simply will not respond to them. Other bacteria in the body, however, will be exposed to the antibiotic, allowing them to develop means to overcome their action. As such, infections such as MRSA are becoming more common and harder to treat as the number of antibiotics that kill the bacteria is rapidly declining.

Some of the most common complaints that patients will see their GP for include the colds, flu, coughs and sore throats. Unfortunately, there is still a common misconception that antibiotics will cure these symptoms and, as such patients expect their GP to prescribe a course of antibiotics when they simply are not appropriate. The vast majority of these symptoms and ailments are caused by viruses, not bacteria; a course of antibiotics will not cure these ailments. They will, however contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, meaning that these valuable drugs may end up useless. Dragging medicine back to the dark ages.

The vast majority of patients experiencing a cold or flu will experience symptoms lasting no more than a couple of weeks. Symptomatic treatments such as painkillers to reduce fever and relieve aches and pains, lozenges to soothe a sore throat and cough medicine to ease either productive or dry coughs will all make the patient more comfortable and are available over the counter from pharmacies. As with all medicines, over the counter remedies, including those bought in supermarkets or other shops, may interfere with other long terms medicines taken, particularly those treating blood pressure, epilepsy and asthma. Always speak to your local Murrays pharmacy team to help decide which medicine is best for your individual symptoms.

In addition, the pharmacy can refer you to your GP should you have any symptoms that may need further investigation or treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme. As always, you do not need an appointment to speak in confidence to your Murrays pharmacist; we all give free and professional advice relating to these and any other medical problems when you need it.

For more information, visit www.murrayspharmacy.com your local Murrays Pharmacy – you’ll be taking good advice!