To continue or not to continue the antibiotics is always a topic of discussion among the medical fraternity. Starting an antibiotic course without a need for it is one of the factors leading to antibiotic resistance. Similarly, continuing the antibiotics beyond the need may also lead to the same endpoint. This study tries to explain the factors that may lead the doctors to continue antibiotics when it is safe to stop.
In emergency situations, physicians initiate antibiotic therapy and then do a ‘review and revise’ about 48-72 hours after starting the antibiotic. During review and revise, the factors that could influence the decision of prescribers to continue antibiotics even though it is safe to stop are:
- The strong conflict with the existing local guidelines on the duration of antibiotic therapy
- Symptoms presented by the patient during the period of review and revise
- Strong pressure from senior colleagues to continue the therapy
For more information, please click:
