How long should I take antibiotic?

How long should I take antibiotic?

By: Arlene Gentallan


        Chances are, you too may have already been prescribed an antibiotic. Have you ever wonder if it's okay to stop taking antibiotic once your symptoms are gone?


What is an antibiotic?
 

       Antibiotic is a kind of drug that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria. It is use to treat bacterial infections. It can save many lives if use appropriately.


Should you stop taking antibiotic if you're already feeling better?


        The answer is no, it's important to continue taking the prescribed antibiotic at the full course of the treatment.  Most antibiotics are prescribed for a period of 7 to 10 days.

        Taking antibiotic for a few days may already relieve your symptoms, but not completing the full course of the antibiotic treatment can be dangerous because it will lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria which are hard to kill.

        During the first few days, those bacteria that are weak are first to be killed. Tougher bacteria persist. Taking the prescribe antibiotic throughout the recommended period will ensure even those tougher bacteria gets eliminated. Remaining bacteria will undergo changes in their structure / dna enabling them to resist the antibiotic. This ability is then passed on to their offspring.



How long should I take antibiotic?

Conventional antibiotic therapy is 7 to 10 days. Your doctor will determine how long you should take an antibiotic. Do not self medicate.

Not taking antibiotic at the full course of the treatment has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.


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