Originally posted by kimlovescats
I always thought or heard that the antibiotic resistance we are experiencing is because Doctors are over-prescribing them ...
That is, of course, part of the problem. Parents taking their kids in, and insisting upon an antibiotic, even if the situation doesn't warrant it. But a big part is not following the directions that are given by the MD. When you are prescribed a medication - for any reason - you should take it as prescribed. You should not have pills left over after taking antibiotics. If you don't take them all, the infection could return. And then if you try to take the left-overs for another problem - well, let me tell you a story.

I have a friend who got a bladder infection. The MD prescribed an appropriate antibiotic. She took it for a week - not the 10 days he ordered - 'cause she felt better. About 2 weeks later, she started feeling yucky again, so took the remaining meds. She ended up in the hospital with a severe kidney infection - on IV antibiotics (plural). If she had done what she was supposed to do originally - you can figure it out.