Preventing Antimicrobial Misuse
When an antimicrobial has been prescribed, the prescription should be clinically assessed:
Discuss any concerns on appropriateness with the prescriber
On dispensing the prescription counsel the patient on how to use the antimicrobial correctly:
- Confirm patient's understanding of the how to take the medicine correctly i.e. dose/frequency/with or without food
- Advise full course should be completed even if symptoms improve
Also advise patient:
- Never share or use leftover antibiotics
- Return any unused antibiotics to the pharmacy for safe disposal – Do not flush down toilets or sinks.