Medication Information

Antibiotic use and misuse

People with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. are at a greater risk for infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, pneumonia Infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that causes the lungs to fill with pus and fluid. ) that may require antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. to treat. Overuse of antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. can lead to antimicrobial resistance Occurs when microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses) develop the ability to resist the effects of antimicrobial medications making infections difficult or impossible to treat. , which means that the medication is no longer effective (e.g., the bacteria has become resistant to the antibiotic used to treat it).

It is important that antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. are only taken if prescribed by a healthcare provider for a confirmed bacterial infection. Self-prescribing and using antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. for viral or non-bacterial infections can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

People with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. are more likely to experience recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of catheter use, incomplete bladder emptying, and loss of bladder sensation. Guidelines for people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. recommend that a urine culture test should be done by a healthcare provider to confirm a suspected UTI before prescribing antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. . Proper management of catheters can reduce the risk of infection.

There are different types of catheters (e.g., intermittent, condom, indwelling, suprapubic), but here are some tips for either yourself or a caregiver who might be helping:

• Wash hands before and after handling the catheter
• Make sure the catheter and the application or insertion area (e.g., urethra, penis, abdomen) are clean
• Use the appropriate size and type of catheter as prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Position the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
• Make sure to drink enough fluids to help flush out bacteria from urinary system
• Consult a healthcare provider about a schedule for catheter changes, if necessary, and follow it closely
• Watch for any signs of UTIs (e.g., burning during urination, cloudy urine, fever) and consult your healthcare provider immediately

Pneumonia

People with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. are more likely to experience pneumonia Infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that causes the lungs to fill with pus and fluid. because of weaker respiratory muscles. Because of the increased likelihood of getting pneumonia Infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that causes the lungs to fill with pus and fluid. , individuals with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. are commonly prescribed antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. for treatment of it.

Guidelines recommend that people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. get the influenza (flu) vaccination to lower their risk of infection, which will also help reduce required antibiotics Class of medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. . There are also vaccines for pneumonia Infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi that causes the lungs to fill with pus and fluid. that you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

Summary

Overall, people with SCI/D Spinal cord injury or dysfunction. are vulnerable to antibiotic overuse but can use some preventive measures to lower the risk of becoming resistant to the medication.