{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/use-the-prescribed-antibiotic-plan-not-leftovers-from-a-similar-illness",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-1056",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Use the prescribed antibiotic plan, not leftovers from a similar illness",
  "summary": "Similar symptoms are not a prescription match.",
  "kind": "protocol",
  "body": "Take an antibiotic exactly as prescribed for the current illness. Do not borrow another person's supply, share yours or keep leftovers as a future treatment plan. Ask a healthcare professional about concerns, side effects and any proposed change rather than independently shortening, extending or restarting treatment.",
  "limits": [
    "Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, and this card cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. Serious reactions or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical help."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "life-04-prevention"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-2F42E1825C407621"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "CDC advises taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed, not sharing or saving them, and contacting a professional about questions or side effects.",
      "source_id": "RS-2F42E1825C407621",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Only an appropriate clinician can decide whether an antibiotic is needed and whether treatment should change.",
      "locator": "Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "An antibiotic has been prescribed or leftover tablets seem tempting."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, and this card cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. Serious reactions or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical help."
  ],
  "example": "A previous course is not restarted merely because a sore throat feels familiar.",
  "check": "The medicine is being used for the current prescribed purpose with understood instructions.",
  "steps": [
    "Confirm the current medicine, instructions and any uncertainty with the prescriber or pharmacist.",
    "Keep treatment changes tied to professional advice.",
    "Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine locally."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-2F42E1825C407621",
      "title": "Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts",
      "url": "https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-07450D8B730573D3",
      "title": "Protect health through ordinary care and clear information",
      "url": "/collections/protect-health-through-ordinary-care-and-clear-information"
    }
  ]
}