iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersGeneral Medicineantibiotic resistance

Can I get drug resistance if I continue to take Amoxicillin for recurrent ear infections?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am afraid of bacterial resistance from taking so many antibiotics in three years. I am scared of Cipro and want to take Amoxicillin again, but I have had four courses in two years. I am about fed up with antibiotics. Two years ago, Amoxicillin was prescribed for a swimmer's ear I had, which immediately got better. Then I took a Z-Pak later that year for a recurring infection. Months after that, I was prescribed a Z-Pak for a sinus infection in the same year. At the end of last year, I was put on Amox for a tonsil infection, and they gave me Clindamycin after that for pretty much no reason because one of my tonsils is just larger than the other. The infection was gone. Now, six months later, I have a bad acute swimmer's ear infection and refused to take oral antibiotics until the pain was unbearable. I am on Ciprofloxacin and hate it. The side effects are scary, especially for a singer. I want to discontinue and use Amoxicillin once again. Can I do this? Should I be worried about bacterial resistance? It has been six months since I used Amox last. I was never on antibiotics as a child, and now for about three years, I have been on more than one course twice a year. This is getting to be ridiculous. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

A couple of things need to be put across:

1. It seems swimming is triggering your infections. It might be better to take full protection for the ear while swimming. Better still, if you are fine with it, avoid swimming.

2. Antibiotic resistance develops if the antibiotics are stopped midway and changed without a full cover. I would suggest completing the course of antibiotics this time. Next time tell the prescribing doctor you are not comfortable with the antibiotic unless you do have a serious side effect of the antibiotic.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At February 27, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 17, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.