My wife heard that if you stop using antibiotics before taking all the prescribed medicine, that it may have an effect on long term immunity, similar to the overuse of antibiotics.
Any truth to this?
2007-01-29 16:13:36 · 4 answers · asked by MRP 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
The biggest effect could be that you haven't taken enough to get rid of the infection completely and will get even sicker and have to have another round of even stronger antibiotics to clear it completely. If the doctor prescribed a 2 week treatment of antibiotics take them all even if you start to feel better.
2007-01-29 17:00:06 · answer #1 · answered by Country girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it does not have an effect on long term immunity. What it DOES have an effect on is that if you DON'T take all the antibiotics, you may not get rid of all the nasty bacteria that made you sick, and the ones that are left over inside of you may get together at the bacteria convention hall and figure out a way to ignore your antibiotic and make you sick again even as you take it (Metaphorically). This type of thing can actually CREATE resistant bacteria.
2007-01-30 00:21:54 · answer #2 · answered by chardok1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may end up with bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotics. So, unless there are too many side effects with the antibiotics, finish your course. And soon after you finish your antibiotics, take a probiotics supplement and take supplements of bacterial spores which are good, like Lactobacillus (take them in consultation with your doctor). That way, you will regain the right intestinal bacterial balance.
2007-01-30 00:20:27 · answer #3 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should finish your prescription because from what i remember in bio class, the "bad bacteria" will build resistance to the antibiotic and it would'nt be successful if you use it later on.However, Im not so sure of the similarity it has with overusing antibiotics.
2007-01-30 00:21:00 · answer #4 · answered by Bella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋