Antibiotics may be defined as substances produced by various species of micro organisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) that suppress the growth of other micro organisms. Common usage often extends the term to include synthetic antimicrobial agents. The idea of this paper is to discuss the use of these antibiotics in Malta. It is unfortunate that in Malta there is a high percentage of misuse of these antibiotics. Such misuse is rampant all over the world, mainly due to the illegal selling of such drugs over the counter (O.V.C) that cause self-administration of these drugs. Other problems faced by the community involve over-use and over-consumption, this being not due to O.V.C only, but also due to the fact that they are highly over-prescribed by the medical professionals in both hospital and private practices. Such over-prescribing is usually due to paranoia on the part of the patient. Recent studies have shown that a majority of antibiotics are being prescribed for viral infections, whilst an even greater number is given for minor colds.Such over use increases the rate of resistance by micro-organisms to the antibiotics, that in the long run casuses the antibiotics to be pulled out of circulation. Problems do not limit themselves to overuse of the antibiotics, but also include the problem of under use. Such occurrences occur due to non-compliance as well as sale of single dosages by medical practioners (G.Ps). These would in effect increase the risk of extending the duration of the illness and in the long run further increase patient non-compliance, since the patient would think that antibiotics do not work on him.
The idea of discussing the state of antibiotic use in Malta is aided by the information gathered by J.Garzia (2000), were the analysis of the different perceptions shown by different socio-economic groups toward the use of antibiotics in Malta. The groups were taken from a wide range of the population, being sectioned into doctors, pharmacists, pharmacy students and lay people, all of which were not experienced in the antibiotic community.
