What can be a consequence of not completing a full course of antibiotics?

Not completing a full course of antibiotics can lead to an increased risk of infection recurrence. When patients discontinue antibiotic treatment prematurely, they may not eliminate all the bacteria causing the infection. This can result in some bacteria surviving and potentially leading to a resurgence of the infection, which may be harder to treat and could require a longer or stronger course of antibiotics. Additionally, this incomplete treatment can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant public health challenge.

While immediate improvement in symptoms might occur after starting antibiotics, this does not mean the infection has been fully eradicated. The absorption of the medication is not directly related to whether the full course is completed and lowering the cost of treatment would not be a consequence of not completing the course, rather it might lead to more expensive interventions if the infection worsens.