So, you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic like amoxicillin or cephalexin for an infection. When you start to feel better after the first few days, or the swelling on your skin is completely gone, it can be tempting to stop taking your antibiotics early. After all, if your symptoms are gone, why do you have to continue taking your medication? Have your drugs not fulfilled their purpose already?
The short answer: finishing your full course of antibiotics is an important step you can take for your own and others’ well-being. So, what is the reason behind continuing and finishing your antibiotics?
The infectious bacteria might not be completely gone!
Even if you feel better, some bacteria can still be alive and grow in your body. While there are good bacteria like the ones in your gut that help you digest food, such infectious bacteria will take any chance to survive at the cost of your health. Antibiotics start killing the bacteria right away, which explains why your symptoms would improve early on. But stopping too soon can leave behind the strongest bacteria, which allows them to keep multiplying and potentially re-infecting your body. Now not only are you sick again, but now you have a resilient bug that may be resistant to the drug you just took. Therefore, you are currently dealing with one of the biggest concerns in healthcare, coined “antimicrobial resistance.” Antimicrobial resistance alone causes 2.8 million re-infections and 35,000 deaths each year, as estimated by the CDC.
Since a relapse of your infection can be made possible with incomplete treatment, another trip to the doctor is then needed. Now you might need stronger medications or get referred to another specialist to look into your evolved bug. Completing your initial treatment helps you avoid all these hassles.
How do you protect others around you by finishing your antibiotics?
The leftover resistant bacteria don’t just affect you; they can spread to others once you’re re-infected. By taking your antibiotics exactly as prescribed, you help reduce the risk of spreading harder-to-treat infections to your family, friends, and community.
Getting the most out of your treatment
Your healthcare provider prescribed specific antibiotics and instructions for a reason. Skipping a dose or stopping your medication early can really take a toll on its effectiveness in clearing your infection. Here are some steps that you can take to stay on track with your medication:
- Take your medication exactly as directed.
- Try your best not to skip doses. Let your pharmacist or provider know when you do for further instructions.
- Some antibiotics are taken more frequently than others. There are multiple ways to help with reminding yourself to take your medication. Please refer to this article for more information: What strategies can I use to help me remember my medications?
- Never save leftover antibiotics for later. Toss the bottle with unused portions in the trash if your medication comes in a suspension after finishing your antibiotic course.
Other common questions regarding antibiotics
Q: Why does your doctor tell you to stop your antibiotics early?
A: It can be due to a variety of reasons, most commonly because there is a better antibiotic available for the infectious bug after they identify it. It is completely normal to move on to another antibiotic to accurately target your current infection. Other reasons include interactions with your other medications or labs that suggest that your body will not be able to handle the initially prescribed antibiotic.
Q: My prescribed antibiotic course seems to be a lot longer than usual. Is this normal?
A: Yes! It is completely normal to have a longer antibiotic course for a more serious infection or to treat a bug that is very good at hiding in hard-to-reach spots. Some patients are on antibiotic courses with no end date to prevent them from getting “opportunistic infections.” Bacteria that cause such infections take advantage of patients with weak immune systems due to other illnesses and/or current medications.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
If you experience side effects or have questions about your medication, don’t stop taking it on your own. Reach out to your provider or pharmacist. You are one phone call away from having your concerns addressed!
Prepared by Khoi Nguyen, PharmD Candidate 2027
Resources:
- “About Antimicrobial Resistance.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jan 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/about/index.html
- “Antibiotics.” Cleveland Clinic. May 24, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16386-antibiotics
