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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics Over An Extended Time Period?

I get UTI s frequently and my doctor wants me to go on low dose antibiotics to stop this frequency. I am not too keen on taking antibiotics, as I am afraid if I need them for an emergency medical situation, they will not be effective if I have been taking a low dose for a long period of time. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Wed, 4 Nov 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain in case if you have a recurring episodes of urinary tract infection it means that either the infection is not being completely resolved and the antibiotics are being stopped before hand..
The other thing is that there is a possibility that the bacteria causing infection are developing resistance against the antibiotics that are being advised to you and it is leading to recurring infection and your active infection seems to be moderately suppressed when the antibiotics are given and is not completely being resolved..
I would suggest you to consult an Infectious Disease Specialist and get evaluated and a urine culture and a whole abdomen ultrasound can be done to confirm the exact cause and culture can help in ruling out the exact strain of bacteria causing infection and most appropriate antibiotics can be given orally as well as injectable and intravenous route for complete resolution of infection..
Taking small doses for long duration can develop antibiotic resistance and will not be helpful rather harmful..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics Over An Extended Time Period?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain in case if you have a recurring episodes of urinary tract infection it means that either the infection is not being completely resolved and the antibiotics are being stopped before hand.. The other thing is that there is a possibility that the bacteria causing infection are developing resistance against the antibiotics that are being advised to you and it is leading to recurring infection and your active infection seems to be moderately suppressed when the antibiotics are given and is not completely being resolved.. I would suggest you to consult an Infectious Disease Specialist and get evaluated and a urine culture and a whole abdomen ultrasound can be done to confirm the exact cause and culture can help in ruling out the exact strain of bacteria causing infection and most appropriate antibiotics can be given orally as well as injectable and intravenous route for complete resolution of infection.. Taking small doses for long duration can develop antibiotic resistance and will not be helpful rather harmful.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.