Antibiotics: WHO Guidelines for Use

The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes antibiotics into four groups, aiming to address the increasing resistance of microbes to drugs.

According to the WHO, antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to public health, making it necessary to take measures to reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

Of the 268 antibiotics recommended internationally, only 49 are included in the lists of essential medicines for adults and children.

The WHO gives the "green light" to first-generation antibiotics for mild infections, emphasizes the need for careful use of stronger antibiotics and their combinations, and restricts the use of last-generation antibiotics to cases where previous treatments have failed.

Categories of antibiotics according to the WHO:

• "Green light": 93 active substances for immediate use.
• "Orange": 145 newer generation antibiotics, under supervision.
• "Red": 30 last-generation antibiotics, as a last resort.