Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, strep throat, and skin infections. In some cases, they are also administered to prevent infections before surgeries. However, it is important to understand that antibiotics have no effect on viral infections, like the common cold or flu, and should only be prescribed in confirmed bacterial cases. Misuse or overuse of antibiotics can be harmful, leading to antibiotic resistance, a serious condition where bacteria become resistant to the drugs designed to eliminate them.

If you are diagnosed with a bacterial infection and are prescribed antibiotics for it, it is crucial to complete the entire course, even if you start feeling better. If you're wondering why, read to find out more about it and what to do if you mistakenly skip a dose.

Why Is It Important To Complete The Full Course Of Antibiotics?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major global public health threats, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, antibiotic resistance was directly responsible for an estimated 10.27 lakh global deaths and contributed to 40.95 lakh deaths.

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rahul Agrawal, Head of the Department and Clinical Director - Internal Medicine, Senior Consultant Physician, CARE Hospitals Hitech City, says that it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.

He explains that stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to become resistant, making future infections harder to treat.

Moreover, completing the treatment also prevents the infection from returning or getting worse.

What Should You Do If You Skip An Antibiotic Dose?

“Skipping a dose of antibiotics disrupts the treatment, reducing its effectiveness and allowing bacteria to multiply or develop resistance,” Dr Agrawal reiterates, adding that this can prolong the infection and make future treatment harder.

He says, “When bacteria are not consistently exposed to the antibiotic, they may mutate and survive, leading to drug-resistant strains. This not only complicates your own infection but also contributes to the broader issue of antibiotic resistance, making similar infections harder to treat for others.”

So what can a person do if they mistakenly skip a dose?

Solution: If you miss a dose of antibiotics, the general advice is to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one, as this can lead to overdose and increase the risk of side effects. It's also a good idea to contact your doctor for advice, especially if you are unsure how to proceed.

What To Do If You Miss Multiple Doses?

If you’ve missed multiple doses of antibiotics, it’s important to contact your doctor for guidance, advises Dr Agrawal.

He says, “They will likely reassess your situation and determine whether you need to restart the course, extend the treatment, or take additional steps to clear the infection. Missing several doses could make the antibiotic less effective, and your doctor may need to modify your treatment plan. It’s essential to be honest about any missed doses, as hiding this information can lead to improper treatment.”

Steps To Take To Prevent Skipping Future Doses

To avoid missing doses, it is crucial to make taking antibiotics a part of your daily routine, like during meals or brushing your teeth, says Dr Agrawal.

If you’re someone who constantly forgets things, set phone reminders or alarms. Additionally, keep your medication in a visible spot, and consider using a pill organiser, especially if you're on multiple medications, to track your doses easily, the doctor recommends.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/what-to-do-if-you-skip-a-dose-of-antibiotics-1725944645