In Italy, antibiotics are prescribed inappropriately in a quarter of cases. A risky use, especially in light of the growing emergency linked to resistant ‘superbugs’, and which is on the rise according to the findings of ‘The use of antibiotics in Italy – National Report 2020’, drawn up by the National Observatory on the use of ‘Italian drug agency Aifa, broadcast and presented today in live streaming on the channels of the national regulatory body.
From the analysis of general medicine data on outpatient prescriptions of antibiotics for specific infectious diseases – it is summarized in the report – it emerged a prevalence of inappropriate use that exceeds 25% for almost all clinical conditions studied (flu, common cold, laryngotracheitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, uncomplicated cystitis). In 2020, the observed estimates are all up compared to the previous year, most evidently for uncomplicated cystitis in women, with the exception of upper respiratory tract infections, for which a reduction in the prevalence of inappropriate use is observed.
The trend appears significant, especially considering the fact that, “as regards the use of antibiotics in Italy – the report states – a significant share, equal to over 80%, is prescribed precisely by general practitioners. general therefore represents the fulcrum for monitoring the consumption of this class of drugs, as well as the setting on which it is important to act to improve prescribing appropriateness. All this is of fundamental importance to reduce the risks associated with public health. ‘Aifa – the inappropriate use of antibiotics, in addition to exposing subjects to unnecessary risks deriving from their side effects, involves considerable clinical problems deriving from the possible development of resistance “.