Name of the Procedure:

Prescribed or dispensed antibiotic
Common name(s): Antibiotic prescription, Antibiotic dispensing
Technical or medical terms: G8711

Summary

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. When a doctor prescribes or dispenses antibiotics, it means a specific antibiotic medication is selected and provided to the patient to combat a bacterial infection.

Purpose

Antibiotics address and treat bacterial infections such as streptococcal throat infections, bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bacterial skin infections. The goal is to eliminate harmful bacteria, reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and promote recovery.

Indications

Antibiotics are indicated for patients diagnosed with bacterial infections. Symptoms warranting antibiotics include high fever, abnormal discharge, persistent cough, pain, and inflammation. It's appropriate for individuals diagnosed via testing confirming bacterial presence.

Preparation

For most antibiotics, no special preparation is necessary. However, the patient should inform the healthcare provider of any allergies, current medications, and existing medical conditions. In some cases, laboratory tests like blood work or cultures are required to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Procedure Description

1. Diagnosis: The physician identifies a bacterial infection through symptoms and diagnostic tests.
2. Prescription: The physician selects an appropriate antibiotic based on the type of bacteria and patient specifics.
3. Dispensing: The prescription is filled at a pharmacy where the antibiotic is provided to the patient in the required form (tablet, liquid, injection).

Tools: Prescription pad or electronic health record system, pharmacy inventory.
No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The entire prescription and dispensing process from consultation to receiving medication typically takes a few hours. Treatment duration varies from a single dose to a course lasting 7-14 days or more.

Setting

This procedure is carried out in various settings, including physicians' offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and pharmacies.

Personnel

Healthcare professionals involved include:

• Physicians or nurse practitioners (prescribe antibiotics)
• Pharmacists (dispense antibiotics)
• Nurses (assist in administration if needed)

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Allergic reactions or side effects (nausea, diarrhea)
• Antibiotic resistance due to improper use Rare complications could include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and antibiotic-associated colitis. Management includes switching antibiotics and symptomatic treatment for side effects.

Benefits

Antibiotics can rapidly alleviate symptoms of bacterial infections and prevent serious complications. Benefits are usually realized within 24-48 hours of starting the medication.

Recovery

Patients should complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. Follow-up appointments may be needed to ensure the infection is entirely resolved. Recovery time varies based on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health.

Alternatives

Alternatives depend on the infection type and include:

• Over-the-counter remedies (for symptom relief)
• Monitoring and supportive care (for mild infections)
• Preventative measures like vaccines Each alternative has varying effectiveness and suitability based on individual cases.

Patient Experience

Patients may experience improved symptoms soon after starting antibiotics, but it’s crucial to complete the course. They might encounter mild side effects like nausea. Pain management isn't typically necessary, but if side effects occur, patients should consult a healthcare provider for advice on comfort measures.