Ever wonder why directions on your antibiotics say “Take until finished” or “Complete all doses as specified”?
Why is it so important to finish all antibiotics? You must not need antibiotics when you’re already feeling better and have been for days now, right?
Wrong. Let’s take a look at why…
Antibiotics are medicines that help fight bacterial infections. Remember, antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, and most common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are prescribed to last for a specified amount of time. This length of time varies, but is designed for the antibiotic to last until all (or most) of the disease-causing bacteria are killed. The body’s own immune system will help in this process too, but it’s very important to take the whole course of antibiotics, regardless of how you may feel.
There are a few reasons for taking the antibiotics that have been prescribed as directed. First, keep in mind that bacteria are “survivalists”; If there are enough harmful bacteria lingering around in the body, they will eventually “get smart” and start finding ways to change and avoid being killed by an antibiotic. This can happen through various means and is called “antibiotic resistance”. Also, bacteria will try and re-mount an attack on the body when antibiotic levels are low, or if antibiotic therapy has stopped prematurely. For these reason it is important to take every dose as scheduled to complete the entire therapy as directed.
Why is antibiotic resistance bad and how can it affect others too?
Antibiotic resistance can cause a drug to not be effective anymore. By allowing the bacteria to linger and mutate, it can now evade the antibiotic with which we are treating. In essence, you have bred a new strain of bacteria – one that is not killed by the antibiotic we might like to use. This will limit antibiotics that can be used in the future, both for you and others in the community, since bacteria can be transferred easily from person to person.
Always keep in mind that most drugs are prescribed for a specific length of time for a reason. Taking antibiotics based on how you feel is NEVER a good idea.
Why is it so important to finish all antibiotics? You must not need antibiotics when you’re already feeling better and have been for days now, right?
Wrong. Let’s take a look at why…
Antibiotics are medicines that help fight bacterial infections. Remember, antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, and most common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are prescribed to last for a specified amount of time. This length of time varies, but is designed for the antibiotic to last until all (or most) of the disease-causing bacteria are killed. The body’s own immune system will help in this process too, but it’s very important to take the whole course of antibiotics, regardless of how you may feel.
There are a few reasons for taking the antibiotics that have been prescribed as directed. First, keep in mind that bacteria are “survivalists”; If there are enough harmful bacteria lingering around in the body, they will eventually “get smart” and start finding ways to change and avoid being killed by an antibiotic. This can happen through various means and is called “antibiotic resistance”. Also, bacteria will try and re-mount an attack on the body when antibiotic levels are low, or if antibiotic therapy has stopped prematurely. For these reason it is important to take every dose as scheduled to complete the entire therapy as directed.
Why is antibiotic resistance bad and how can it affect others too?
Antibiotic resistance can cause a drug to not be effective anymore. By allowing the bacteria to linger and mutate, it can now evade the antibiotic with which we are treating. In essence, you have bred a new strain of bacteria – one that is not killed by the antibiotic we might like to use. This will limit antibiotics that can be used in the future, both for you and others in the community, since bacteria can be transferred easily from person to person.
Always keep in mind that most drugs are prescribed for a specific length of time for a reason. Taking antibiotics based on how you feel is NEVER a good idea.
Lance Ray, Pharm.D.
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