Q: I accidentally left my child's antibiotics at my parents' house. Do I need a new prescription?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

I recently visited my family and accidentally left my child's antibiotics behind. Can I just give my child the rest of the prescribed cold medicines (for their cough and runny nose) and visit the doctor after finishing those, or do I need to get the antibiotics prescribed again immediately?

Answer:

It can be very stressful to realize you left important medication behind. However, it is crucial not to stop antibiotics abruptly, as completely halting the medication can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Here is what you should do to resolve this:

1. Retrieve it if possible: If you can, try to go back and get the medication today so you can continue the dosage as prescribed without interruption.

2. Call your doctor: If retrieving it is impossible, call your pediatrician's office first thing tomorrow morning. Explain that you left the antibiotics behind and ask them to issue a replacement prescription for the exact same medication.

3. Visit a nearby clinic: If you cannot reach your primary doctor, visit a nearby pediatrician. If you happen to have a photo of the original prescription or the medication bag, show it to them. (Going to the emergency room for this is generally not recommended due to long wait times).

When you consult the doctor for a new prescription, be prepared to tell them the name of the antibiotic, how many days your child has been taking it, and how many times a day it was prescribed.

Antibiotics are only effective when taken consistently for the prescribed duration. Completely stopping the medication is a much bigger issue than missing one or two doses, so it is highly recommended to resume taking the same medication as soon as possible. Please remember that even if your child's cough and runny nose seem to have improved, you must finish the entire course of antibiotics. Consult your pediatrician as soon as possible to get the replacement medication sorted out.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

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