Antibiotic - can I stop?

[garlictwist]

Long story short - I have dry socket from a tooth extraction and the dentist started me on amoxicillin.

He also gave me some metronidazole as I developed a secondary toothache in another tooth. He told me to take the two together.

I took the first lot this morning but I am feeling so much better (obviously not from the metronidazole as it's too soon). I don't want to continue with the metronidazole because I've had it before and it made me feel really sick.

My question - can I stop now after one dose and not carry on? I know you're meant to do the full course, and ordinarily I would, but after one dose would it be enough to cause antibiotic resistance?

Please help. I have a complete phobia of vomitting and nausea and the thought of continuing with these pills is making me so anxious. However, if by not doing so I risk not being able to cure a future tooth infection then I guess I'll have to.

Sorry, I should have said: I've been on the amoxicillin for three days and will finish that course. It's just the metronidazole that I started today.

Phone the dentist and tell him you don't want to take the second drug. Why didn't you tell him that in the first place?

I don't know why I didn't tell him

It’s not so much resistance that you need to worry about in the immediate term but whether the antibiotic has really seen off the infection. There’s a risk that it’s still there and will come back if you stop. Can you discuss with the dentist?

Will the amoxicillin not see the infection off? I know I should talk to the dentist but I feel foolish.

No you have been prescribed it for a reason. They clearly state to continue taking antibiotics until they are finished regardless of how well you feel.

How long have you been taking the amoxicillin?

Since Monday

Call the dentist and explain that you have just remembered that the last time you took the second drug it made you feel really quite ill. Is there something he could prescribe instead? You aren't foolish and he should be happy to help.

Take metronidazole 30 minutes after you've eaten, this will (hopefully) stop the nuasea. I throw up if I take it in an empty stomach & eating before works for me.

As others have said, finish the course

Ideally take the Metronidazole for at least 3 days that minimises risk of antibiotic resistance. If it makes you nauseous it is almost as effective taken twice a day instead of three times.