What action should a patient take when prescribed antibiotics?

The correct action for a patient prescribed antibiotics is to finish all prescribed doses. This practice is essential for several reasons.

First, completing the entire course of antibiotics ensures that all the bacteria causing the infection are eradicated. If a patient stops taking the medication prematurely, even if they start feeling better, there is a risk that some bacteria may survive. These remaining bacteria can potentially lead to a resurgence of the infection, and they may also develop resistance to the antibiotic, making future treatments more challenging.

Additionally, failing to complete the prescribed antibiotics can contribute to the larger public health issue of antibiotic resistance. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics but not fully eliminated, they can mutate and evolve, leading to strains that are harder to treat and control.

Taking only the recommended dose is important as well, but without completing the full course, the initial benefits can be undermined. Using leftover antibiotics for new infections is not advised as it can lead to inappropriate treatment for new health issues and contribute to resistance, while stopping treatment when feeling better neglects the important principle of fully addressing the infection.

For these reasons, adhering to the full course of the prescribed antibiotics is vital for both personal health and public health considerations.