Can You Get Antibiotics Over the Counter?
Most antibiotics require a prescription, but mild topical options like Neosporin are available OTC. Oral antibiotics like amoxicillin must be prescribed by a doctor.
Can You Buy Antibiotics Without a Prescription?
Most antibiotics require a prescription because they treat specific bacterial infections, but a few mild topical options are available over the counter. This guide explains what you can buy without a prescription, what infections require professional care, and how to get antibiotics online through telemedicine.
There is a good chance you wonder why antibiotics can't be bought over the counter, since they are prescribed frequently throughout a person's life. Antibiotics are among the most powerful and effective remedies against harmful bacteria, whether treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections, ear infections, or stomach infections. You should consult your healthcare professional to determine the appropriate antibiotic, as many bacteria are constantly evolving.
This article explains which antibiotics can be purchased over-the-counter and which require a prescription.
Additionally, we'll explore what ailments can be treated with antibiotics and when medical consultation is necessary.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that destroy bacteria or slow their growth. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history to determine the best antibiotics for your ailment.
Mobi Health can connect you to healthcare professionals immediately and help you get the best treatment if you have an urgent question.
Which Antibiotics Are Available Over the Counter?
Before purchasing and using any medication, speaking with a medical specialist is always advisable. The use of topical antibiotics is common in the treatment of skin damage, such as scratches, scrapes, and minor burns. As topical skin ailments are treated with them, they come in ointments, creams, sprays, and powders.
Topical antibiotics over-the-counter include:
- Pramoxine
- Polymyxin (Polysporin)
- Bacitracin (Neosporin)
- Benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv)
- Neomycin (Neosporin Plus Pain Relief)
When topical antibiotics are not needed, they can do more harm than good and irritate the skin. Therefore, it is vital to consult a medical professional before taking any antibiotics, even if they are available over the counter.
Over-the-Counter vs Prescription Antibiotics
| Antibiotic | Common Use | OTC? |
|---|---|---|
| Bacitracin (Neosporin) | Minor cuts/scrapes | Yes |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Mild acne treatment | Yes |
| Amoxicillin | UTI, ear/throat infections | No |
| Doxycycline | Acne, STIs, malaria | No |
| Metronidazole | Vaginal/digestive bacterial infections | No |
| Ciprofloxacin | UTIs, stomach infections | No |
Common Prescription-Only Antibiotics
A wide variety of antibiotics are available under several different brands, with various indications for treatment. Considering that each antibiotic is designed to fight a specific type of bacterium, your medical provider will need to know your ailment before prescribing the right antibiotic. Antibiotics are generally not interchangeable between different bacterial infections since they are specific to the type of bacteria being treated. The use of some antibiotics is more common than others because they can be used to treat a variety of bacteria at once. These are some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics:
Amoxicillin
This penicillin-type antibiotic is prescribed in combination with other antibiotics and medications to treat an infection.
Ceftriaxone
Giving this antibiotic before surgery can sometimes prevent infections. However, a prescription may be needed to treat more serious bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or meningitis.
Levofloxacin
As one of the fluoroquinolones, this antibiotic belongs to a group of drugs that can treat many bacterial infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.
There are some side effects associated with this medication, including headaches, numbness, and impact on the body's mental health, which is why it is usually only prescribed when there is no alternative.
Metronidazole
The most common uses of this antibiotic are to treat digestive and vaginal infections caused by bacteria.
Another use for metronidazole is treating sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) caused by parasites. Flagyl is one of the most popular brands of metronidazole.
Clindamycin
Rare or severe infections are commonly treated with this antibiotic, which stops bacteria from growing.
Cephalexin
This cephalosporin antibiotic can treat UTIs, ear infections, and bone infections.
Children and adults alike receive it as a prescription.
Doxycycline
A variety of illnesses can be treated with doxycycline, including acne, bacterial pneumonia, chlamydia, Lyme disease, cholera, syphilis, and chlamydia. There is also evidence that this antibiotic has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it can also be used to prevent dermatologic infections.
Many other antibiotics are available, and you should ask your healthcare provider for a complete list of antibiotics that may be needed to treat your illness.
What Conditions Do Antibiotics Treat?
Sharing or taking antibiotics prescribed for another person is not a good idea. Additionally, you shouldn't save antibiotics for future use since they may not always be the proper medication.
Antibiotics can be used to treat the following illnesses or infections:
- Meningitis
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Otitis media (Ear infection)
- Sinus infections
- Bladder and kidney infections
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Strep throat
- Acne
- Skin or soft tissue infection
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Bronchitis
- Vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis)
- Traveller's diarrhoea
- Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
- Dental infections and gum disease
Do You Always Need a Prescription for Antibiotics?
The majority of antibiotics require a prescription. Any antibiotic or medication should be discussed with a healthcare professional before use, even if no prescription is needed. The effectiveness of each medication, especially antibiotics, varies from person to person. Side effects of one drug may differ entirely from those of another. When you are finished taking the medication, it is essential to discard it according to the dosage instructions on your prescription. Be careful to stay within the recommended dosage; talk to your healthcare provider if you forget to take a dose.
Even if you start feeling better halfway through your antibiotic prescription, it is recommended that you finish the whole course.
How to Safely Get Antibiotics Online
When you speak with your doctor, your medical provider may ask you a few questions and perform a physical examination to determine the cause and severity of your infection.
There are times when you may need antibiotics, and the professional will be able to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most antibiotics require a prescription from a medical professional, as mentioned in this guide. You may only sometimes need antibiotics to treat most types of bacterial infections. The side effects of antibiotics are nausea or diarrhoea, which happen in rare cases and if taken too frequently. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe side effects from an antibiotic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Over-the-Counter Antibiotics
Can I get oral antibiotics without a prescription?
No. Oral antibiotics like amoxicillin and doxycycline require a doctor's prescription for safe and effective use.
What antibiotics are available over the counter?
Only topical antibiotics like bacitracin (Neosporin) and benzoyl peroxide are available OTC. These are used for minor skin wounds.
Is it okay to use leftover antibiotics from a past illness?
No — using leftover antibiotics can lead to resistance and treatment failure. Always consult a doctor for a new prescription.
Can I get antibiotics online?
Yes. You can get a prescription for antibiotics through a telehealth consultation with a licensed doctor via platforms like Mobi Doctor.
What conditions require antibiotics?
Conditions like UTIs, strep throat, bacterial sinus infections, acne, and some STIs typically require antibiotics — but not colds or flu.
When to See a Doctor About Antibiotics
With Mobi Doctor, you have access to online urgent care.
Mobi Doctor is a virtual clinic that provides online consultations and 24/7 support for people with health problems. You can talk to our experts about any health problem, whether an infection, an injury, or a mental health issue. We offer tailored advice and support from our team of doctors and experts.
