Antibiotic consumption down in 2023, after two years of rebound

The prescription and consumption of antibiotics decreased in 2023. Disparities are however observed, with in particular an increase in consumption among those over 65.

An “encouraging sign”. The consumption of antibiotics fell in 2023 after two years of increase, according to an annual study carried out by Santé Publique France, the results of which were published this Wednesday, November 6.

Prescriptions of these drugs in community medicine, which constitutes more than 90% of the total consumption of antibiotics, have stabilized (-0.2% compared to 2022) and their consumption has decreased by 3.3% compared to the previous year. The downward trend observed before the Covid-19 epidemic is therefore resuming, after two years of rebound.

This drop could partly result from a “lower incidence of winter infections”, notes the health authority.

This “is an encouraging sign”, welcomes Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France before qualifying: “However, we are still far from the target objective of less than 650 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants per year (820.6 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants in 2023, editor’s note) retained by the 2022-2025 National Strategy for the prevention of infections and antibiotic resistance.

A “strong” regional disparity

In detail, Santé Publique France observes “strong disparities” in the consumption of antibiotics within the population. First, 59.1% of prescriptions concerned women, as did 56% of antibiotics consumed.

In terms of patient age, we observe a decrease in prescriptions intended for children under 5 years old but an increase in consumption among those over 65 years old. A “strong” regional disparity is also noted, with higher indicators in Corsica and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

Concerning the practices of professionals, Santé Publique France notes a drop in antibiotic prescriptions among general practitioners of 1.3% but an increase among dentists and specialist doctors of 1.4% and 4.6%.

The health authority calls for “continued efforts” to encourage “the proper use of antibiotics and slow the development of resistant bacteria”. To do this, it will broadcast a prevention campaign in the coming weeks. She also recalls that these medications are only effective for bacterial infections and not those resulting from viruses, that their intake must be preceded by a prescription, and that the duration of treatment must be “strictly respected”.