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Responsible use of antibiotics (stewardship): principles for patients

What antibiotic stewardship means The term “antibiotic stewardship” may sound technical, but its essence is simple: it means using antibiotics responsibly so that they remain effective for us and for future generations. These drugs are not an unlimited resource. Every time they are taken, appropriately or not, bacteria are exposed and given the chance to

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Nitrofurantoin for cystitis: advantages, limitations, course

Mechanism of action and unique features Nitrofurantoin is a member of the nitrofuran class of antimicrobials, a group distinct from the more familiar β-lactams or fluoroquinolones. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics that circulate throughout the body, nitrofurantoin is absorbed rapidly after oral administration, metabolized only in part, and then excreted almost entirely in the urine. This unique

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Metronidazole: When is it needed and why it shouldn’t be taken with alcohol

Spectrum and clinical indications Metronidazole belongs to the nitroimidazole class of antimicrobials. Its mechanism is distinct from many conventional antibiotics: inside susceptible organisms, the drug is reduced to reactive intermediates that bind to DNA, causing strand breakage and inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis. This selective activity arises because only anaerobic microorganisms and certain protozoa possess

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How to take antibiotics correctly: course, with/without food, missed doses

Why correct intake matters Antibiotics are among the most powerful tools in modern medicine, but their effectiveness depends not only on the choice of drug and dose but also on how patients take them. Incorrect intake can turn an effective therapy into a failure. The most common mistakes are stopping the course early, skipping or

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How to reduce the risk of resistance: practical steps for the patient

Why patient behavior matters Antibiotic resistance is often portrayed as the outcome of complex hospital dynamics, factory farming, or global trade in pharmaceuticals. These are undeniably major drivers, yet the truth is more intimate: the way individual patients use antibiotics has a direct and powerful effect on how quickly bacteria learn to resist them. Each

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How telemedicine for antibiotics works: from questionnaire to prescription

The rise of telemedicine in antibiotic prescribing Over the past decade, telemedicine has shifted from a niche service into a mainstream channel for medical care in the United States. The transformation accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person visits were restricted and millions of patients turned to virtual consultations for the first time. Today, telehealth

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For which conditions are antibiotics prescribed: a handy guide

Introduction Antibiotics are powerful medicines, but they are not universal cures. Many illnesses that look and feel severe, like cough, fever, sore throat, earache, may in fact be viral and do not require antibiotics at all. Prescribing them in such cases brings no benefit and carries risks: side effects, resistance, and disruption of the microbiome.

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