Pharmacology · single question
What is the most important instruction when a patient is prescribed amoxicillin for a dental infection?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Complete the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance
B) Complete the full course — CORRECT.
Antibiotic stewardship requires completing the FULL prescribed course, even when symptoms resolve earlier. Stopping prematurely allows partially resistant bacteria to survive and multiply, contributing to antibiotic resistance — a major global health crisis. This is the #1 patient education point for any antibiotic prescription.
A) PRN antibiotics: Antibiotics are not analgesics — they must be taken on schedule regardless of pain level.
C) Stopping when swelling resolves: A common patient mistake that promotes resistance — explicitly incorrect.
D) Double dosing: Dangerous — increases toxicity risk without additional benefit; never appropriate.
Antibiotic stewardship requires completing the FULL prescribed course, even when symptoms resolve earlier. Stopping prematurely allows partially resistant bacteria to survive and multiply, contributing to antibiotic resistance — a major global health crisis. This is the #1 patient education point for any antibiotic prescription.
A) PRN antibiotics: Antibiotics are not analgesics — they must be taken on schedule regardless of pain level.
C) Stopping when swelling resolves: A common patient mistake that promotes resistance — explicitly incorrect.
D) Double dosing: Dangerous — increases toxicity risk without additional benefit; never appropriate.