Antibiotics can also be taken shorter with many infections

Obsolete rule of thumb: Antibiotics can often be taken shorter

If you get prescribed antibiotics, it usually means taking the medication even after the symptoms disappear and until the end of the pack. According to experts, this rule of thumb is outdated. Studies in recent years are providing more and more evidence that a shorter duration of ingestion is just as effective for many infections.

Responsible use of antibiotics

Antibiotics help combat bacterial infectious diseases and thereby prevent the spread of the pathogens. However, experts repeatedly point out that such drugs are used less frequently and correctly. Finally, antibiotics often cause serious side effects. In addition, irresponsible use of antibiotics can lead to an increase in resistant pathogens. What many patients are unaware of: In many infections, the medication can also be taken shorter.

Although it is said again and again that an antibiotic is to be taken even after the disappearance of the symptoms and always until the end of the pack. However, studies are providing more and more evidence that a shorter duration of ingestion is just as effective for many infections. (Image: nenetus / fotolia.com)

Less resistant pathogens through shorter therapy

Although it is said again and again that an antibiotic even after the disappearance of the symptoms and always "until the end of the pack to take" is.

However, in recent years, studies have come to the conclusion that antibiotics do not have to be taken too long in various infections.

This is indicated by the German Society for Infectious Diseases (DGI).

A shorter therapy has the advantage that less resistant pathogens arise.

And this is indeed beneficial. After all, such resistances must be resolutely combated as effective antibiotics become increasingly scarce globally.

"The longer the bacteria are exposed to the selection pressure of an antimicrobial agent, the more likely they are to survive predominantly resistant agents that are insensitive to the agent," explained DGI Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Gerd Fätkenheuer.

Do not simply stop antibiotics

However, antibiotics should not be stopped when the symptoms are gone. It depends on the type of disease, its severity, the individual course and the type of bacteria, how long an antibiotic must be taken.

"With a urinary tract infection, it may sometimes be sufficient to take the medication for one day," says Fätkenheuer.

"In the case of a severe infection with staphylococci on the other hand, sufferers often have to take antibiotics for several weeks. For example, too short a therapy could lead to complications and resistance. "

As short as possible, as long as necessary

A royal road in dealing with antibiotics does not exist. In which cases an agent can be discontinued as soon as the symptoms have subsided, and in which cases not, only a doctor can decide.

The DGI therefore advises affected patients not to omit the drug on their own initiative and also to make sure that they do not interrupt the therapy or forget about doses.

"A doctor ideally sets a length of use, which is specifically tailored to the particular infection and its expected course," Fätkenheuer said.

If the symptoms heal prematurely or if the medication fails, the patient should contact the doctor and discuss the procedure with him. "As with any other medicine, antibiotics also work: they should be taken as short as possible, but as long as necessary." (Ad)