Stopped antibiotics, then want to retake. Advise?

Question

I started on my antibiotics after my wisdom tooth surgery. I stopped halfway because suddenly a fear struck in me what if it contains animal origins.( i am a vegetarian when it comes to medicines) But upon asking other Yahoo! users, this fear was untrue, they say. I want to thank them.
The problem now is:
So if I continue to take the antibiotics NOW, after a gap of about 7 days, will

1. it bring harm to me?
2. the antibiotics have the same desired effect as if I did not stop half way?

What is the maximum number of days that we can have a lull in consumption in order for the antibiotics to work?

The antibiotics/medicines are:
1. Amoxycillin (Capsules BP 250mg) (Pulmoxyl-250)
2. Metronidazole (200mg)
3. MEFENAMIC ACID (250MG)
4. FAMOTIDINE (20MG)

Hope you can help me. Thanks for your advice.

Answer 1

First of all, what is the condition of the area that had surgery? A week had passed and you will know by yourself if the area still is inflamed, or if there is any sign of infections.

The above antibiotics given are mainly for prophylaxis. If you feel you are doing well for now, there is no need to continue taking the antibiotics that you stopped taking halfway of the course. Try natural ways to boost your immune system - good diet, increasing your vitamin C intake, etc.

Now, if the operated area seems to be not healing and probably have signs of infection setting in, you may continue taking your antibiotics - it will not harm you, but it would be better to consult your doctor as it will be considered as you are restarting an "antibiotic course" which you need to complete for at least a week.

If you restarted the antibiotic course and there is no response, then you will need to change your antibiotics, though it is least likely to happen in your case.

Hope you are feeling better for now!

Answer 2

Your doctor prescribes you a certain amount of antibiotics for two reasons.

1) If you take too little there is a chance that the infection will not go away.
2) Taking too much is thought to be the cause of "superbugs". Why take more than you need too anyways.

You really ought to give the doc a call and tell him/her when you stopped and how much you have left. You might have to get some more.

In all likelyhood though, you probably won't need it. If I was in your shoes I would just finish the bottle and go on with my life. The latter my personal opinion, but the former is my medical.

Answer 3

A) regardless of whether or not it has animal origins you should never stop taking antibiotics after you start

B) No, it won't hurt you, but you probably won't get the desired effect. My advice would be to tell the doctor that you stopped taking them for a week and ask him to renew it. Then if he says that it is ok, start from the beginning and run the whole time

Answer 4

there is big chance that you may have become resistant to the drug as with antibiotics it is very improtant to take the whole course in one go. in my opinion you should go back to the prescriber and get a new prescription for new antibiotics.

Mefanamic acid and famotidine are pain killers so you can go on taking them as before.