Use antibiotics only on doctors’ prescription, says consultant physician

A Consultant Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Fatai Fehintola, has warned against abuse of antibiotics.

Fehintola, who gave the warning on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, said abuse of antibiotics could cause diarrhoea and anaemia.

He recommended the use of drugs, including antibiotics, only on doctors’ prescriptions.

He said: “Every drug taken can be a source of disorder.

“Drugs can affect the kidney and the liver and should be taken only on physicians’ prescription.”

The consultant physician called on governments to ensure stricter control on access to drugs, especially antibiotics, adding that only pharmacists should be permitted to stock certain medications, including antibiotics to guard against their proliferation.

He added that pharmacists should also ensure that they dispense drugs only on doctors’ prescriptions.

“There is the need for consistent public enlightenment to sensitize people on the effects of drug use or abuse.

“Abuse of antibiotics can predispose the abuser to drug resistance; it can lead to drug-induced diseases or disorders,’’ Fehintola said.