What Happens If You Miss an Antibiotic Dose
Medically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmDMedically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmDAntibiotics are used to protect against and treat bacterial infections. Completing the entire course of treatment as prescribed is essential for eradicating the underlying condition completely. Taking your prescribed dose regularly keeps the concentration of medication in the bloodstream at constant levels.Missing doses can make antibiotics less effective and prolong the course of treatment. A 2019 study concluded that late or missed antibiotic doses in hospitalized individuals were associated with a longer hospital stay. It can also result in antimicrobial resistance, making the infection difficult to treat.
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Why It's Important to Finish Your Full Antibiotic CourseSkipping doses or taking them at irregular intervals may cause:Decreased effectivenessSide effectsDeveloping antibiotic resistanceCompleting the antibiotic course as long as prescribed, even if you feel better, is essential. Stopping your treatment regimen early may prevent the infection from going away completely.Some bacteria may also survive and develop resistance to the antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria adapt to withstand one or more antibiotics due to DNA recombination. Those antibiotic-resistant bacteria will be harder to treat in the future and may cause long-lasting infections. Antibiotic resistance can be caused by:Antibiotic overuseNot taking antibiotics as prescribedMissing dosesNot completing the antibiotic courseInfections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can be difficult and sometimes impossible to treat. It may require extended hospital stays, follow-up doctor visits, and costly alternative treatments.What to Do If You Miss a DoseHere's what to do if you:Only missed one dose: If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Usually, it is not a problem to take a missed dose within two to three hours of the usual time. However, it would be different if it's time for the next dose.Missed on dose, but don't remember until it's time for the next dose: As mentioned above, you can take a missed dose within a few hours. But if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the following doses at the scheduled time.Missed several doses: Missing several doses can affect the therapeutic effectiveness of the antibiotic. If you have missed a few doses, consult your healthcare provider. They will determine how to continue with the therapy.Do Not Double Up On DosesIf you miss one or more doses, take them as soon as you remember. However, do not take more than one dose at a time to make up for the missed dose.Never take a double dose. Doubling up on the dose or taking more than prescribed can result in increased side effects. These may include:Gastrointestinal effects, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomitingAllergic reactionsNeurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system) effects, such as seizures, peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and encephalopathy (conditions that cause brain dysfunction)How to Avoid Missing a DoseIt can be difficult for some people to remember taking their doses as prescribed. Here are a few tips that may help you stay on track:Follow a routine: Try to take your antibiotic dose at the same time every day. Use a pill organizer: Fill the everyday compartment with a dose. You can also use electronic pill organizers with an alarm to remind you.Pair your medication with something you'll remember: Pair your doses with a daily task.Keep your medicine in a visible place: It may be helpful to keep your antibiotic in a visible area, such as on your dining room table or at your sink. Be careful to keep your medication out of reach if you have children and pets at home.Set an alarm or use notes and calendars: Set an alarm or use an everyday planner or calendar to leave notes at your work desk or home. Collaborate with a caregiver or family member: Ask a family member or caregiver to help you remember to take your medications on time.SummaryAntibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of germs called bacteria. When prescribed, it is essential to take them regularly and as long as prescribed. Missing doses can lower the effectiveness of the treatment and even lead to antibiotic resistance.If you miss an antibiotic dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take the following doses at regular intervals. Do not double up on a dose to make up for the missed dose. This can increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider if you miss several doses. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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