I’m not a big fan of antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, or Doxycycline. Honestly, I’m tired of them! Sometimes, dealing with the side effects feels worse than the illness itself. Besides my general dislike, I really hate how my stomach feels upset after each antibiotic course. A friend once compared taking antibiotics to formatting a computer—it’s bad because it wipes out everything, good and bad! That’s why I’m not keen on them. Like many others, I sometimes skip doses until my doctor checks on me.
Even though I dislike these meds, I know skipping them isn’t right. So, I talked to Dr. Pradip Shah, a General Medicine Specialist at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai, to understand what happens if we miss antibiotic doses.
Naturopaths and holistic doctors might give you many reasons to avoid antibiotics, but the truth is, they can save lives and are often necessary. They’re very effective against diseases that our immune system can’t handle alone, so it’s not wise to ignore them completely.
Some medicines, like painkillers and antihistamines, are prescribed occasionally. Antibiotics, however, are usually prescribed for a few days, sometimes up to ten, but often just five, according to Dr. Shah. During this time, patients should follow the regimen carefully, not missing doses or stopping treatment early.
Dr. Shah explains that antibiotics work by eliminating the pathogens causing the illness. Missing doses allows bacteria to grow, giving them a chance to develop resistance. Soon, antibiotic-resistant bacteria could multiply, and you’ll find yourself back at the doctor’s office.
Don’t worry if you miss one dose, says Dr. Shah. Your body still has some antibiotics from the previous dose. Just take it as soon as you remember, but don’t double up on doses. Setting reminders on your phone can help you remember to take your antibiotics. Dr. Shah also suggests using a pill organizer, a plastic box with seven compartments for daily medication. You can sort your antibiotics into each compartment to ensure you don’t miss a dose.
If you’re struggling to remember your antibiotics, try these strategies to help you stay on track.
