I know that in recent years there has been allot in the news about how we are becoming resistant to certain antibiotics and how they are over used and all of that stuff. I know that in Mexico some (not sure if ALL) antibiotics are sold over the counter. Does anyone know (or can you tell me how I could find out) it they have the same resistance problem in Mexico??

The reason that I ask is that I get a sinus infection EVERY fall most likely triggered by a allergy. I can feel it coming right now and I know that sooner or later I will be at the Dr's office getting a prescription for an antibiotic and I just wish that I could go to the drug store and get what I need with out going to the Dr's office. I guess that is what made my mind start wondering about why we can't, but in Mexico you can!! I just started wondering if all the resistance stuff happens there too since they can just go get their medicine on their own!

By Kellyj on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 08:46 am:

Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem. THe regulations in Mexico are not as strict as they are here in the US. Antibiotics have been overused for many years which has contributed to the development of drug resistant bacterial strains. I'd write more but I have to leave for work (I have my own drug resistant bacteria waiting for me to analyze at the lab today). I'll see if I can find some more information in journals later today. I'm a science nerd!

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 09:15 am:

Thanks Kellyj. This is nothing urgent, just my mind wondering....LOL I just got to thinking about Mexico and if they were any worse off as far as their resistance since they can basically self medicate!

By Cocoabutter on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 09:56 am:

If you know that every fall you are going to have a problem with allergies, you may want to consider, for next year anyway, getting into therapy with an allergist. At the very least, be prepared before it hits- go to your doctor and see if you can get a booster shot of anti-histamine in late August-early September. My mom and I have the same problem- in the fall, the allergies kick in with the ragweed season, and boy is it rough! She and I both just got a shot from our doctor (but not before she got a cold first) and we are both doing much better.

Good luck!

By Boxzgrl on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 10:03 am:

I thought drug resistance developed in you were taking that drug on a consistent basis. I dont think once year would build up a resistance, then again i'm not a pharmacist. Since im so close to Mexico i'm one that prefers to self medicate than to sit in a doctors office for them to tell me what I know I already need.

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 10:14 am:

No, I am not saying that I am going to build up a resistance. But I am sure that is one of many reasons we will never be able to self medicate in the US!! I was wondering if the people in Mexico also have the resistance problem since they can self medicate and there for, might be taking medications that are not really necessary...

By Kellyj on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 10:23 am:

Here is a link to the FDA and it's information on drug resistance.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html

From what I've found with a quick search, Mexico has a huge problem with drug resistant Tuberculosis. I imagine that, if they do not already, they will have other big problems with drug resistant populations if they continue to allow the public to self medicate.

By Vicki on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - 10:28 am:

Thanks again Kellyj!! Curiosity killed the cat as they say!! Hate it when things just pop into my mind and it drives me crazy until I find out!!