HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Can An Antibiotic Be Taken?

Since this is an antibiotic, is a a prescribed length of time to take it? I have taken 32 pills (32 days) and I am 79 years old. My bowels have been normal for two (2) days, and I m afraid to stop because I don t want to go thru this again for having quit too soon.
Mon, 11 Apr 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for your query.

The course and duration of antibiotic therapy would depend on the type and severity of the infection and where it is present.

Continuing antibiotics beyond the prescribed duration can have harmful side effects.
These include gastritis, altering your good intestinal bacteria, increasing risk for fungal, viral & other bacterial infections.

I would get a detailed medical history, do a physical exam, and do relevant investigations (if necessary) to help you further.
I understand your concern about falling sick again but the benefits should be weighed against risks.

I recommend seeing your doctor to help with the above.
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Can An Antibiotic Be Taken?

Hello, Thank you for your query. The course and duration of antibiotic therapy would depend on the type and severity of the infection and where it is present. Continuing antibiotics beyond the prescribed duration can have harmful side effects. These include gastritis, altering your good intestinal bacteria, increasing risk for fungal, viral & other bacterial infections. I would get a detailed medical history, do a physical exam, and do relevant investigations (if necessary) to help you further. I understand your concern about falling sick again but the benefits should be weighed against risks. I recommend seeing your doctor to help with the above. Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Wish you good health