Manish Kumar
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 10: Amid growing concern over diminishing impact of antibiotic drugs, many health experts believe indiscriminate use of certain antibiotics have only added to the woes of people world over. Azithromycin, for instance, is prescribed for treating upper respiratory tract infections. However, many dermatologists prescribe the drug for treating acne – a skin condition which facilitates growth of pimples.
A recent government-sponsored and yet-to-be-published study, details of which were accessed by Orissa POST, has shocked dermatologists at Delhi-based Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) which is conducting the study in association with Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Doctors at MAMC are stumped at the recent findings which claimed that use of Azithromycin for treating acne and pimples is proving futile.
The ongoing research titled ‘Genome mapping of P.acnes and antibiotic resistance’ initiated two years ago has its initial findings ready. MAMC professor of dermatology Kabir Sardana, who is spearheading the clinical research, spoke to the newspaper over phone. He said, “Azithromycin is a safe antibiotic often used for treating upper tract infections. However, many dermatologists are prescribing the drug for treating acne, which could be treated by simple antibiotics. Frequent use of high-class drugs would only invite risk for the people and the antibiotic class. Much could be attributed to the poor monitoring of healthcare system.”
Many doctors prescribe the drug under pressure of pharmaceutical companies, he added. Use of Azithromycin in Orissa has been rampant too. Doctors here do not shy away from prescribing the drug for common ailments.
Dipti Behera, a practicing dermatologist at Capital Hospital, said, “We have been prescribing Azithromycin for acnes and haven’t come across any case of drug resistance. We recommend other drugs too depending on the clinical type of acne.”
Jayant Kumar Dash, a city-based dermatologist, said: “I have seen cases of drug resistance for Azithromycin. Patients come to me after available antibiotics at drug outlets. Chemists find it easy to suggest use of the drug for acne. There are standard drugs which can be used to treat acne.”
However, Priyardarshini Sahoo, another dermatologist, said, “Among all possible treatments for acne Azithromycin is one of the safest oral drugs and is giving good results.”
