patients who finish a full course of antibiotics lasting seven to 14 days not only fail to prevent drug - resistant bacteria but may be making those pathogens stronger , according to research published in the British veterinary medicine , which argues against conventional wisdom that long courses of antibiotics help prevent bacteria from developing resistance to most diseases , with some experts believing short courses are more effective .
Patients who finish a full course of antibiotics lasting seven to 14 days not only fail to prevent drug-resistant superbugs but may be making those pathogens stronger, according to research published in the British journal BMJ, which argues against conventional wisdom that long courses of antibiotics help prevent bacteria from developing immunity to most diseases, with some experts suggesting short courses are more effective.