When should I stop taking medication?
September 26, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jan Voigt
Dear doctor,
My name is Gabriele Ehrenbreit and I have a question regarding the intake of medication. Some time ago, I was prescribed an antibiotic because I was suffering from a bacterial infection. The treatment duration was 10 days and I took the medication regularly. Now I am wondering when I should stop taking it. My doctor told me to finish the entire pack of antibiotics, but now I am unsure if I really need to take it all the way through.
I am worried that I might be taking the medication for longer than necessary, or that I might stop it too early and not fully combat the infection. I have searched for information on the internet, but opinions on this matter vary greatly. Some sources say that you should absolutely finish the full course of antibiotics, while others recommend stopping once you start feeling better.
Could you please explain to me when I should stop taking medication? Are there general guidelines, or does it depend on the type of medication and the illness? I want to make sure I complete the treatment correctly and avoid any risks. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Gabriele Ehrenbreit
Dear Ms. Ehrenbreit,
Thank you for your question regarding the intake of medications, especially antibiotics. It is important that you consider how long you should take a medication in order to successfully treat the infection and avoid any potential risks.
In general, it is very important to take antibiotics for the full duration of the prescribed treatment. Even if you start to feel better, it does not mean that the infection is fully eradicated. Bacteria may potentially retreat and reappear at a later time if the treatment is not completed.
Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to the development of resistance. This means that the bacteria become insensitive to the antibiotic, making future infections harder to treat. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment duration as instructed by your doctor.
There are exceptions, of course, where it may be necessary to discontinue the intake early. If you experience severe side effects or have an allergic reaction to the medication, you should consult your doctor immediately. In such cases, it may be necessary to stop the antibiotic and switch to an alternative medication.
It is also important to note that the duration of treatment depends on the type of infection. Some bacterial infections require a longer treatment duration, while others are shorter. Your doctor will determine the treatment duration based on the type of infection and your individual health condition.
In summary, it is advisable to take antibiotics as instructed by your doctor until the end of the treatment duration in order to successfully combat the infection and avoid risks. However, if you have any concerns or questions about medication intake, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
Best regards,
Jan Voigt
