Why should you finish full course of antibiotics?

Answer 1

Finish your anti biotics so all the bacteria is killed. The strongest bacteria are always left at the end always fighting to survive, so finish the prescription to make sure they are destroyed. The infection could come back. We wouldn't want that to happen now would we?

---

I agree with the previous respondent, but I'd take it further. If you don't make sure that you kill all of the bacteria in the first try, you run the risk of bacteria developing that are resistant to that type of antibiotic.

I guess you only need one of the little suckers to mutate slightly, or develop a resistance (out of the millions in your infection) - and then you've got yourself an infection that requires a second course of different antibiotics to cure it.

Furthermore, there is only a limited number of different antibiotics available = what if you find yourself with an infection that's no longer affected by available antibiotics. Then what?

Still think the two or three days you saved without having to take 'those darn pills' was worth it now? (That's what I think any time I have to take them at least)

Answer 2

It is important to complete a course of antibiotics because even if you start to feel better, the infection may not have been killed, enabling it to either:

1. Build a defence against the prescribed antibiotic and come back stronger, meaning that you will then need to be prescribed a stronger course of antibiotics to fight the infection.

Or

2. Remain dormant in your body with a new resilience against antibiotics. This increases the risk of you contracting MRSA, if you are hospitalised or come in to contact with the MRSA bug later in life, and with the resilience to antibiotics it will not be easily treated.

Neither of the above are certain to happen if you do not complete a course of antibiotics, but both have a significantly high risk.

Answer 3

To help you body fight off infections.

+++++ Answers++++++

I should add that antibiotics are good for bacterial infections only. They are not effective for viral and fungal infections. Even then, antibiotics are not universally effective for all bacterial infections. Many bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.

Answer 4

Even though you may feel better the infection/bacteria may not be completely killed. If you stop too soon, the infection can come back with a higher tolerance for the medication. This would then result in having to repeat the medication with a higher dose. It is all ways a good idea to take medications as directed.

Answer 5

If you begin to feel better, like many patients do so many people will just stop the course of the antibiotic... This is something you should Never do.. By completing the cycle you are making sure that even if you feel okay, there is nothing left behind in your body that will later harm you.

For a perfect example: You get a terrible cold and in a few days u feel fine and throw the rest out. The cold can sometimes , because it is not completely eradicated, will at some point mutate. If enough of this happens your body might not be able to use the traditional antibiotics because they have adapted. So more and more different antibiotics have to be made to control new strains. Not fun..or safe just finish what your given and be done with it. You wouldn't want someone to exterminate your house, but leave little bug shields up to protect them...so that the next time they are fighting at full force.

Answer 6

antibiotics might expire and you might need another one

Answer 7

Simply because if you don't, you can build up an immunity to the drug therefore making it almost useless if you're to need it again.

Answer 8

You can start to feel better well before the course ends, but the infection will still be there, and stopping the course will only allow the infection to grow back again.

Answer 9

no it doesn't help at all