Advice for prescribing antibiotics issued

New advice has been issued for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTs) in adults. ARTIs, including the common cold, uncomplicated bronchitis, sore throat, and sinus infection, are the most common reason for doctor's office visits. An estimated 50 percent of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary or inappropriate in the outpatient setting, which equates to over $3 billion in excess costs. Antibiotics also are responsible for the largest number of medication-related adverse events and the cause of about one in five visits to emergency departments for adverse drug reactions, say experts.

from Today's Healthcare News -- ScienceDaily http://ift.tt/1lqncWI