🏥 Mascot Healthcare — LagosWhatsApp Us
⚠️ Medication Guide
Public Health Emergency

Antibiotic Resistance

Why self-prescribing is destroying Nigeria's ability to treat infections

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — the failure of antibiotics to kill bacteria — is one of the most serious public health crises of our time. The WHO predicts AMR will kill 10 million people per year by 2050. Nigeria is at the epicentre: antibiotics are sold without prescription at virtually every patent medicine store, self-prescribing is the norm, and courses are routinely cut short. This is creating untreatable infections in Nigeria right now.

Known as: AmoxicillinCiprofloxacinAugmentinAll antibiotics
📋 Patient Information Guide. This page explains how this medication works in plain language. It does not replace your doctor's advice. Always take medication as prescribed and discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

What It Is Used For

✓ Antibiotics treat BACTERIAL infections only
✓ They are ineffective against viral infections (colds, flu, COVID-19, most sore throats)
✓ Appropriate use: confirmed bacterial infection with the right antibiotic at the right dose for the right duration

How It Works

Each antibiotic class targets a specific bacterial mechanism: beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins) disrupt cell wall synthesis; macrolides inhibit protein synthesis; fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) inhibit DNA replication; tetracyclines block ribosomal protein synthesis. Bacteria develop resistance through mutation and genetic exchange — and the resistance spreads rapidly between bacteria and between people.

Dosing — Typical Guidance

The most important rule
Take the full course prescribed — even if you feel better after 3 days. The remaining bacteria are the most resistant ones.
Do not self-prescribe
Without a diagnosis, you may be treating the wrong organism, using the wrong drug, or taking antibiotics for a viral infection entirely.
Do not share antibiotics
What treated your neighbour's UTI may not treat your sore throat, and may accelerate resistance in your body.
Do not keep leftover antibiotics
Partial courses remaining from previous treatment should be discarded or returned to a pharmacy — not saved for 'next time'.
🍽️ Food & Timing: Varies by antibiotic — follow package instructions. Most are better absorbed consistently (same time daily).
⏰ Missed a dose? Take as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Never double-dose antibiotics.
⚠️ Important Safety Note: Antibiotics are not harmless — they kill beneficial gut bacteria, cause diarrhoea, and some cause serious allergic reactions. They are powerful drugs that should only be used when medically indicated.

Side Effects

Common
Diarrhoea and gut disturbance
Antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome. Probiotics during and after antibiotic courses can help.
Common
Nausea
Take with food where possible.
Serious
C. difficile colitis
Severe diarrhoea from antibiotic disruption of gut flora — requires specific treatment. Risk increases with repeated antibiotic courses.
Serious
Anaphylaxis (penicillin and cephalosporins)
Rare but life-threatening allergic reaction. If history of penicillin allergy, always inform prescribing doctor.
Serious
Antibiotic resistance development
Every unnecessary antibiotic course contributes to resistance — in your body and in the community.

Who Should Avoid This Medication

Who Should Not Take This (or Use With Caution)

Drug Interactions to Know

Medication / SubstanceWhy It Matters
WarfarinMany antibiotics increase warfarin effect — bleeding risk.
Oral contraceptive pillRifampicin (TB drug) and some others reduce pill effectiveness — use additional contraception.
Metronidazole + alcoholSevere reaction — nausea, vomiting, flushing. No alcohol during metronidazole course.
Fluoroquinolones + antacids or dairyCalcium in dairy and antacids reduces fluoroquinolone absorption — separate by 2–4 hours.

Monitoring While on This Medication

Symptom response within 48–72 hours
If no improvement after 48–72 hours, return to doctor — the diagnosis or antibiotic choice may need revision.
Culture and sensitivity
For serious infections — always request culture before starting antibiotics where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current state of antibiotic resistance in Nigeria?
Severe. Nigerian studies show very high rates of resistance to commonly used antibiotics: penicillin resistance in pneumococci above 50%, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli causing UTIs and sepsis resistant to most oral antibiotics, carbapenem-resistant organisms in hospitals, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The drivers are unregulated sales, self-prescribing, incomplete courses, and poor infection control.
Should I take antibiotics when I have a cold or flu?
No — colds and flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. They will not make you recover faster, will cause side effects, and will promote resistance. Viral upper respiratory infections resolve with rest, fluids, paracetamol, and time. Antibiotics are only indicated if a secondary bacterial infection develops (sinusitis, pneumonia, otitis media).
Why do I feel better after 3 days but the doctor said to take the full 7-day course?
You feel better because your immune system and the antibiotics have reduced the bacterial load significantly. But some bacteria remain — the toughest, most resistant ones. Stopping early allows these to multiply and become the dominant population. You may relapse with a resistant infection. Complete the full course.
Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Nigeria?
Legally, prescription-only antibiotics require a prescription. In practice, most patent medicine stores sell antibiotics freely. This is illegal and a major public health problem. Seeking a proper diagnosis before taking antibiotics is medically and ethically the right approach — it also ensures you are treating the right organism with the right drug.
What can I do to prevent antibiotic resistance?
Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection. Take the full course. Never share antibiotics. Get vaccinated — vaccines prevent infections that would otherwise require antibiotics. Support hand hygiene in your household. Advocate for regulated antibiotic sales in your community.

Related Pages

Lisinopril — What It Is, How It Works, Side EffectsPrednisolone (Steroid) — What It Is, How It Works, Side EfParacetamol Safety — What It Is, How It Works, Side EffectMetformin — What It Is, How It Works, Side Effects

Questions about your medication?

Our doctors and pharmacists can review your prescription, explain your treatment, and address any concerns — confidentially.

💬 Ask a Question on WhatsApp