New study aims to reduce overprescription of antibiotics

Prescribing both oral and topical antibiotics for skin conditions during the same visit is discouraged, but a study has discovered an increase in instances of this practice, among other findings.

- Zhaki Abdullah

The dual prescription is discouraged due to a possible higher risk of antimicrobial resistance, which occurs when micro-organisms such as bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics, caused in large part by their overuse.

The study by National University Polyclinics (NUP), which was published in medical journal Antibiotics in April, aims to help guide the use of antibiotics here.

It is part of a bid to fight antimicrobial resistance in primary care settings. In Singapore, primary care is provided in polyclinics and clinics run by general practitioners.

Antimicrobial resistance has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the top 10 global health threats. It is estimated that it could cause up to 10 million deaths worldwide per year by 2050 if not addressed.