Patient X, who has been on treatment for seizures (very well controlled and compliant to medication) came in to hospital because she started having absent (silent) seizures. The sister reports that she would just go silent and zone out for a few minutes, then come to. This was completely new, as the prior seizures she would have before treatment were the generalized tonic-clonic type (what the lay man knows as convulsions.)
On further probing, the doctor found out that she had just completed a dose of Meropenem (a very, very strong antibiotic.) On inquiring why it was prescribed, the patient stated that she went into a peripheral facility because she had a flu, and she was given the antibiotic.
Now, there could be many reasons why she developed the silent seizures, but the antibiotic she got for the cold was unnecessary and too extreme. As we experience cold weather this time of the year, I need to remind us that we don’t need antibiotics to treat a flu. Flu is self limiting and mostly due to a viral infection. That cold will go away in a week if you do nothing. Taking antibiotics does not make it go away any faster. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and using them to treat a viral infection is uncalled-for and does not make sense medically.
That cold will go away in a week if you do nothing. Taking antibiotics does not make it go away any faster.
Please don’t insist on getting an antibiotic prescription for a flu or get an antibiotic over the counter because the truth is, you don’t need it. As a doctor, it is okay to send the patient home with no drug prescription sometimes. It does not make you any less of a doctor.
The doctor who tells you it’s a viral infection, and you don’t need antibiotics for your cough or homa IS NOT A FAKE DOCTOR. That’s a doctor who understands his work. Cough is not a sign of antibiotic deficiency.
Dr. Chebsy Andronick
Disclaimer: The content provided on this medical blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen or treatment plan. Never discontinue prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.
