I’m not a big fan of antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Ciprofloxacin, and 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 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 wise. So, I talked to Dr. Pradip Shah, the Head of General Medicine 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 smart to ignore them completely.
Dr. Shah explained that antibiotics are usually prescribed for a few days, sometimes up to ten, but often just five. During this time, it’s crucial to follow the regimen carefully, without missing doses or stopping early. According to his research, antibiotics target the pathogens causing the illness. Missing doses allows bacteria to grow and potentially develop resistance, leading to antibiotic-resistant strains. Before you know it, you’ll be back at the doctor’s office.
Don’t worry if you miss one dose, Dr. Shah advises. 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.
