We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Determine the Correct Antibiotic Dosage?

By Angie Johnson-Schmit
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,201
Share

The correct antibiotic dosage usually depends on the type of medication, the severity and nature of the bacterial infection, and the age and weight of the person receiving the drug. Using the prescribed amount and completing the entire course of antibiotics are generally considered key elements for successful treatment. Antibiotics are used to treat a range of health issues caused by bacteria, and are not effective against viruses. They are also sometimes prescribed as a preventative measure for people at a high risk of serious bacterial infection. There are several benefits of antibiotics, but there are also some side effects as well as some new strains of bacteria that resist antibiotic treatment.

When a physician calculates an antibiotic dosage, the initial consideration is which medication is the best choice to combat the bacteria. Each antibiotic has general dosage guidelines for children and adults. Most physicians will then take into account the degree of seriousness of the infection as well as the individual’s age, weight, and medical history to arrive at the optimum antibiotic dosage and schedule. Another factor that comes into play is whether the doctor prefers to treat the bacterial illness with the fastest, highest dose possible, or believes that a lower dose over a longer period of time is the best choice.

Completing the course of antibiotics as prescribed is considered an important part of the efficacy of the medication. The reason for following the correct antibiotic dosage within the time frame recommended is relatively straightforward. When someone stops taking the medication early, there is a significant risk that the bacteria will not be completely eliminated and the infection may then reoccur. In these instances, the resulting infection may require a higher antibiotic dosage, and the length of time required to treat the bacterial infection may be longer.

Another issue to consider is the potential side effects of antibiotics. Some common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Other side effects like vaginal yeast infections and fungal infections of the digestive tract and mouth, are usually due to the indiscriminate nature of antibiotics. These medications do not differentiate between beneficial bacteria and the bacteria causing the illness, and will work to kill or inhibit the growth of whatever bacteria are present in the body.

Overuse of antibiotics, or using them incorrectly, is believed to be a major factor in the emergence of drug resistant strains of bacteria. Bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have proven extremely difficult to treat and have caused significant problems in hospitals. The course of treatment for the MRSA strains is challenging, as most variants are resistant to all but a few antibiotics.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-determine-the-correct-antibiotic-dosage.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.