The "finish the course" debate, explained

The advice about finishing every antibiotic course is changing. Here is what the current Australian guidance actually says, and why.

By Priya Nandan. Published 24 June 2026 · Clinically reviewed. This article is general information, not a substitute for advice about your own health.

For decades the standard advice was simple: always finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. That message is now more nuanced, and it is worth understanding why.

Where the old advice came from

The “always finish the course” rule was meant to stop infections coming back and to avoid leaving behind the hardiest bacteria. It was easy to remember, and for some infections, such as tuberculosis, completing a defined course really is critical.

What has changed

For many common infections, researchers have found that shorter courses can work just as well, and that taking antibiotics for longer than needed simply exposes more of your bacteria to the drug. The current direction in Australian prescribing is to match the length of the course to the infection, rather than defaulting to long courses.

What this means for you

The practical advice is straightforward. Take the antibiotic exactly as your prescriber directs, for the length they specify. That length is a clinical decision, not something to shorten or extend on your own. If you feel better early, or if side effects are troubling you, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before changing anything. Do not save leftover tablets for next time.

For safe disposal, see what to do with leftover antibiotics, and for the bigger picture, the complete guide to using antibiotics safely.