Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What happens if you are given antibiotics for infection and then you find you don't have one and stop taking them?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Nothing: Likely, nothing obvious if this happens a lot, you could develop resistant bacteria, so no antibiotics would work.
Answered 9/30/2012
5.6k views
Resistance/diarrhea?: Taking antibiotics when not needed can lead to developing resistance. Not finishing a prescribed course of antibiotics can also do the same. It comes down to a matter of percentages. Let's say that antibiotic x can kill 99.99% of bacteria and you have 100, 000 colonies. After you finish your antibiotics, you're still left w/10 colonies that have survived & learned to resist this antibiotic.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.6k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I was given intravenous antibiotics for my infection. Is this better than oral antibiotics?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
If I stop taking antibiotics should my yeast infection go away on its own?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Should i switch to a different antibiotic for an ear infection if this one isn't working?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What to do if i need a solution for a one sided infection in my sinuses that endures antibiotics?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Could you tell me if my antibiotics caused an oral yeast infection, do I stop taking them?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Ok, I got epididymitis and I was given an antibiotic (levofloxacin), I started to take it 11 days later is that alright. One of the days I drank milk straight after taking the antibiotic would this affect my healing process and would i infection free?
My lymph nodes and tonsils became tender/swollen about a month and a half ago. I was given augmentin to help reduce swelling and treat an infection if I had one. The antibiotic did not help. I have a history of mono (about 12 years ago)?
What would happen if I took one dose of an antibiotic for a sinus infection?
I have kidney infection, it is day 2 on the antibiotics, they have given me two types of antibiotics, but I dont feel better at all. ?
Should i stop taking antibiotics (penicillin vk500mg) if my tooth infection has cleared?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
