The Silent Danger of Self-Medicating with Antibiotics

In the ICU, I often face patients whose conditions worsened not because treatment was unavailable, but because treatment was misused. One of the most alarming patterns I continue to see in Malaysia is the rampant misuse of antibiotics without medical supervision. What may start as “just taking a few pills for fever or cough” often ends with infections resistant to nearly all available drugs – and patients fighting for their lives.

A Growing Threat – Resistant Infections on the Rise

According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s 2023 report:

Nearly 40% of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitals are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

Cases of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have increased steadily, with more than 1,500 hospital-acquired infections reported annually.

In ICUs, more than 20% of septic shock cases involve multidrug-resistant organisms, making treatment extremely difficult.

These numbers reflect a dangerous trend: antibiotics, once life-saving, are becoming less effective every year due to misuse and overuse.

A Patient Story – When “Common Infection” Becomes Deadly

A 34-year-old man came to our ICU with severe pneumonia. His wife said he had been taking leftover antibiotics at home for several days without improvement. By the time he arrived, his infection was resistant to first- and second-line antibiotics. We had to resort to last-line drugs, which were both toxic and limited in availability. Despite all efforts, his lungs failed, and he never recovered.
This was not an isolated case. I see variations of this story far too often.

Why Do People Misuse Antibiotics?

From discussions with patients and families, the reasons include:

Easy access: Buying antibiotics over the counter without prescriptions.

Misconceptions: Believing antibiotics cure all fevers, coughs, or even viral illnesses like flu and dengue.

Cost-saving: Avoiding clinic visits and relying on leftover or borrowed medication.

Lack of awareness: Not completing prescribed courses, leading to partially treated infections.

The Consequences Are Severe

Antibiotic misuse leads to:

Drug-resistant infections that are harder and more expensive to treat.

Longer hospital stays, higher ICU admissions, and increased healthcare costs.

Higher mortality rates from otherwise treatable infections.

What Must Change – From Individuals to the System

The fight against antibiotic resistance requires action at every level:

Individuals: Never self-medicate; always complete prescribed courses.

Pharmacies: Strictly enforce prescription-only policies for antibiotics.

Healthcare professionals: Educate patients on proper use and dangers of misuse.

Government and society: Support public campaigns and surveillance programs to monitor resistance.

Conclusion: Use Antibiotics Wisely – Or Lose Them Forever

Antibiotics are not just another medication – they are a global lifeline. If we continue misusing them, we risk entering a post-antibiotic era, where a simple infection can once again be fatal.
As a doctor, I have seen what resistant infections can do, and I urge everyone: respect antibiotics, use them responsibly, and help protect this life-saving resource for future generations.