Find out what happens to the body when you don’t complete an antibiotics course

According to WHO, antimicrobials — including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics — are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

Take the complete course of antibiotics (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

When you abruptly stop taking antibiotics, much before completing the course as prescribed by the doctor, you may be playing a risky game with your health, experts warn.

Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate bacterial infections, and they need to be taken for the full course to ensure all the harmful bacteria are eradicated. “When the course is not completed, some bacteria may survive and continue to multiply,” said Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad. “The infection for which the antibiotics were prescribed might not be fully eradicated, meaning harmful bacteria may still exist in your body. This increases the likelihood of the infection persisting or returning,” cautioned Dr Prashant Borade, director of critical care, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobials — including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics — are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Even WHO notes that feeling better or improving symptoms does not always mean that the infection has completely gone. “Your doctor has had years of training and has access to the latest evidence — so always follow their advice,” it reads on its website.

Over time, the bacteria that are still alive tend to become resistant to these antibiotics. “This can significantly make the medications or the antibiotics less effective for future use,” said Dr Borade.

As a result of drug resistance, WHO says that antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines “become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death.”

Some may also notice that the symptoms associated with the infections aren’t completely treated and may start to aggravate. “This can create irritation, frustration, and stress while making you fall sick again. Taking an incomplete treatment plan can also further lead to several complications or allergic reactions,” said Dr Borade.

Your body may also take longer to recover, and complications from the untreated infection could arise, such as abscesses or systemic spread, added Dr Haricharan.

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Here’s what to consider when taking antibiotics (Source: Freepik)

According to Dr Borade, one must complete the course as suggested by the doctor. “If you experience side effects or allergies during treatment, it is important to discuss these with your healthcare provider for appropriate guidance,” said Dr Borade.

What to note?

WHO urges shorter courses of antibiotics, which may be just as effective as longer courses for some infections.

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“Shorter treatments make more sense – they are more likely to be completed properly, have fewer side effects, and are also likely to be cheaper. They also reduce the exposure of bacteria to antibiotics, thereby reducing the speed by which the pathogen develops resistance,” read a WHO statement.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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