When you take antibiotics, they kill the bacteria that are making you sick. However, some bacteria may survive and develop resistance to the antibiotic. This means that the antibiotic will no longer be effective against those bacteria, and they could cause an infection that is more difficult to treat.
Completing a full course of an antibiotic ensures that all bacteria are killed, reducing your chances of developing antibiotic resistance. Not all bacteria are killed immediately, and stopping antibiotics too soon may give them time to grow back.
Preventing re-infection
Another reason to finish your antibiotic regimen is to prevent re-infection. When you stop taking antibiotics too soon, the bacteria that caused your infection may still be present in your body. These bacteria can then start to multiply again and cause a re-infection.
Re-infections can be more difficult to treat than the original infection, and they may require different antibiotics. Finishing your antibiotic regimen as prescribed will help to prevent re-infections and ensure that you get better faster.
Avoiding other complications
In some cases, stopping antibiotics too soon can lead to other complications. For example, stopping antibiotics too soon for a respiratory infection can lead to complications such as pneumonia or meningitis.
By finishing your antibiotic regimen as prescribed, you can help to prevent antibiotic resistance, re-infection, and other complications.