Overview
Antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections. But is getting over-the-counter antibiotics a possibility? That is a pressing question indeed.
Additionally, antibiotics are some of the most potent and quickest remedies against harmful bacteria. However, antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat UTIs, URTIs, ear infections, stomach infections, and STDs.
Mostly, topical antibiotics are available over the counter. However, most oral antibiotics require a doctor’s prescription. This article will discuss over-the-counter antibiotics and those that require a prescription.
Can you get antibiotics over the counter?
There are options for antibiotics that you can buy over the counter. These include topical antibiotics such as antibiotics ointment over the counter. These can also be found at a pharmacy or a local store. Although, oral antibiotics do require a prescription from a doctor.
Antibiotics can be administered through different routes in and on the body. Consequently, why they are classified as less invasive methods and the course depends on the condition or type of infection.
The four main routes to administer antibiotics include:
- Topical
- Oral
- Intramuscular (IM)
- Intravenous (IV)
Is there an antibiotic you can get over the counter?
Yes, there are topical antibiotics that you can get over the counter. These antibiotics include such as Polysporin, Neosporin, etc. You can also find these at any local drugstore or pharmacy.
Topical over-the-counter antibiotics
The topical route comes under the less invasive way. Many topical creams or ointments are available over-the-counter medicine for bacterial infection. Therefore, these topical antibiotics are applied to the skin to treat minor wounds, scrapes, cuts, burns, and acne. The most common topical antibiotics available over the counter include:
- Polysporin (bacitracin/polymyxin B)
- Neosporin (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B)
- Proactiv/Clearskin (Benzoyl peroxide)
While some generic brands of topical antibiotics have been formulated into a cream or ointment, these can be directly applied to the skin and are referred to as otc antibiotics for skin infections.
More potent topical antibiotics require a doctor’s prescription. For example, over-the-counter mupirocin ointment and metronidazole cream are unavailable and require a prescription. However, these are used to manage severe infections, typically those not responding to over-the-counter topical antibiotics.
Oral, intravenous, and intramuscular antibiotics require a prescription and are unavailable over the counter. They are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections and are taken by mouth.
Oral antibiotics available over the counter
In Canada and the United States, oral antibiotics are typically unavailable over the counter (OTC). Also, antibiotics are prescription medications that require a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) to assess your medical condition and determine the appropriate treatment.
In Canada, antibiotics are regulated by Health Canada, and a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is generally required to obtain them. Similarly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates antibiotics in the United States, typically available only with a prescription.
It’s important to remember that antibiotic misuse or inappropriate use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other health complications.
Types of antibiotics
Several types of antibiotics are available to treat different bacterial infections. Moreover, the treatment depends on the type of bacterial infection and the severity of the illness. The drugs are classified as follows:
Cephalosporins
These antibiotics interfere with bacterial cell wall formation, which is essential for bacterial growth and survival. Moreover, cephalosporins weaken the cell wall, leading to cell lysis and the death of the bacteria by inhibiting specific enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis. This group of antibiotics helps treat various illnesses, such as skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and some types of meningitis.
Macrolides
Macrolides work by preventing the synthesis of bacterial proteins. They accomplish this by attaching to the bacterial ribosomes, which are in charge of making proteins. The ribosomes bind to macrolides and prevent adding additional amino acids to the expanding protein chain, effectively stopping protein synthesis. Macrolides treat respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections, and atypical pneumonia.
Penicillins
Penicillins work by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall. They do this by interfering with the enzymes responsible for cross-linking the building blocks of the cell wall, weakening its structure. The bacteria are susceptible to damage and lysis without a strong cell wall. Hence, penicillins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that help treat bacterial infections, including respiratory system infections, skin and soft tissues, the urinary tract, and several sexually transmitted diseases.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones act by inhibiting the bacterial enzymes called topoisomerases, which function in DNA replication and repair. Therefore, by interfering with these enzymes, fluoroquinolones prevent the bacteria from effectively replicating their DNA and dividing. This ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth and eradication of the infection. Doctors prescribe fluoroquinolones to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and certain skin infections.
Sulfonamides
This class of antibiotics works by inhibiting the production of folic acid, a crucial nutrient for bacterial growth and replication. Sulfonamides block the enzymes involved in folic acid synthesis, thereby hindering the production of DNA and proteins in the bacteria. As a result, the infection is under control and stunts bacterial growth. Doctors prescribe sulfonamides to patients to treat various skin diseases, lung infections, and urinary tract infections.
Tetracyclines
A class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines connect to bacterial ribosomes and stop the creation of proteins by bacteria. As a result, protein synthesis is impeded since no new amino acids can be added to the expanding protein chain. As a result, tetracyclines hinder bacterial growth and replication. They are commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, acne, and skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
What conditions are antibiotics used for?
Some common illnesses or infections that antibiotics can treat include:
- Acne
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Strep throat
- Sinus infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Otitis media
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Dental infections and gum disease
- Skin or soft tissue infections such as cellulitis
- Bladder and kidney infections
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Bacterial vaginosis
Sharing or taking antibiotics prescribed to someone else for a similar or different condition is not the best decision. Similarly, you cannot use the same antibiotics each time as they may not be the proper medication for the infection.
Do I need a prescription for antibiotics?
Antibiotics, or antibacterials, are potent medications that destroy bacteria or halt their growth. Many topical over-the-counter medicines for infection treat minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Also, these medicines don’t require a prescription. However, a prescription from a doctor is necessary for more potent topical or oral antibiotics. Despite the contrary belief, oral antibiotics do require a prescription. There aren’t any over-the-counter antibiotics for strep throat, otc antibiotics for tooth infection, or over-the-counter antibiotics for COVID.
Your doctor will enquire about your symptoms and medical history and may order additional tests to determine the best antibiotics to help treat your condition.
What are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics?
There are numerous types of antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe the best suited to treat the infection. Some commonly prescribed antibiotics include:
- Amoxicillin
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Levofloxacin
- Clindamycin
- Metronidazole
- Doxycycline
All antibiotics have specific benefits and side effects. Antibiotics are notorious for causing gut microbiome imbalance, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. Additionally, they can interact with other medications. Therefore, a prescription is essential due to the complexity of oral antibiotic use.
What is the most potent antibiotic for bacterial infection?
Different antibiotics are effective against various bacteria. That is why, for specific targeted treatment, it is vital to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
Although certain antibiotics are preferred over others, they are effective against multiple bacteria and can treat many ailments. Usually, antibiotics target a particular type of bacteria and, as a result, cannot treat all bacterial infections interchangeably.
Some oral antibiotics commonly prescribed include:
Amoxicillin
Doctors prescribe this antibacterial drug alongside other medications to treat an infection, as this comes under penicillin medicine. Unfortunately, Amoxicillin over the counter is not available.
Ceftriaxone
Doctors prescribe ceftriaxone for severe bacterial infections, namely pneumonia or meningitis. Doctors also administer this antibiotic before surgery to help prevent infections.
Levofloxacin
This antibiotic comes under the class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Doctors prescribe it to treat bacterial infections, including bronchitis and respiratory tract infections. However, doctors don’t commonly recommend it due to its widely experienced side effects, such as headaches, numbness,
Clindamycin
This antibiotic halts bacterial growth. Doctors usually prescribe it to treat severe or rare infections.
Cephalexin
This antibiotic belongs to the class of cephalosporins, and doctors recommend it for adults and children. Doctors prescribe cephalexin to treat UTIs, ear infections, and bone infections.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline treats many conditions, such as acne, chlamydia, Lyme disease, bacterial pneumonia, and syphilis.
This antibiotic may also have anti-inflammatory properties, so doctors prescribe it to treat or prevent a dermatological infection.
Metronidazole
This antibiotic treats digestive infections, vaginal bacterial infections, and STDs. Flagyl is a well-known brand name for metronidazole.
Why Do You Need a Prescription For Oral Antibiotics?
- To prevent misuse of antibiotics: Taking oral antibiotics when not required can cause more harm than good. It causes the bacteria to mutate and develop antibiotic resistance. Hence, it is best to let your doctor assess your condition and decide the most appropriate antibiotic.
- Antibiotics treat different bacterial infections: Different types of antibiotics target other bacteria. There are specific antibiotics for specific ailments; therefore, you must see a doctor for a prescription.
- Antibiotics have side effects and interactions: You require physician evaluation to prevent unnecessary drug interactions. This helps ensure you are not taking an antibiotic that can be dangerous. Moreover, it will help avoid side effects as you will be monitored throughout treatment.
Antibiotic Resistance
Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions have given rise to an antibiotic resistance problem. Additionally, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are thriving and are no longer susceptible to common antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotic resistance can increase the incidence of hospitalizations and may result in death. Taking the medication as directed is advisable to reduce the chances of developing antibiotic resistance; this will help eradicate the bacteria instead of producing antibiotic-resistant strains.
Misuse of Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics when they have not been prescribed to you or using some other antibiotics to treat every condition is classified as misuse. It nails to treat the underlying infection and increases the chances of patients developing potentially life-threatening side effects. Meanwhile, side effects of antibiotic misuse can include rashes, nausea, diarrhea, or severe allergic reactions. Rarely, some cases of antibiotic abuse may result in an entirely new infection that can contribute to additional stress on the body.
It is essential to take antibiotics as prescribed by your physician. In addition, please do not share your medication with others, as every person may not respond similarly and may have medical allergies that you are unaware of. Again, do not consume medication that was prescribed to someone else. Lastly, do not save pills for later use. Take medicine for the given duration only.
Once the infection clears completely, the antibiotic can be discontinued as directed by your physician.
When to seek medical attention
Frequent use of antibiotics can get rid of good bacteria in your gut and result in diarrhea or vomiting. In addition, some individuals can develop an allergic reaction to a particular drug. If you think an antibiotic is not working for your body or giving you severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Some symptoms that warrant an immediate check-up include:
- Feeling light-headed
- Breathing difficulty or wheezing
- Fast heart rate
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- Feeling faint or loss of consciousness
How do you get antibiotics without seeing a doctor?
Topical antibiotics may be available over the counter. Still, when looking for oral antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin, azithromycin, doxycycline, or many others, you have various options without seeing a doctor. You can also get antibiotics without seeing a doctor by consulting an online doctor who can prescribe the best antibiotics according to your condition. During an online consultation, our doctor will take a detailed history to diagnose your infection and determine the best treatment. We will deliver your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice if the doctor recommends antibiotics.
FAQs
You cannot get oral antibiotics without a prescription. Amoxicillin is an oral antibiotic and is not available over the counter.
No, there isn’t any over-the-counter version of Amoxicillin, and purchasing Amoxicillin without a prescription is impossible.
Some substitutes for Amoxicillin include Augmentin, Cephalexin, Doxycycline, and Clindamycin. These antibiotics can be used when Amoxicillin is ineffective or the patient has a drug allergy.
You cannot get Amoxicillin without consulting a doctor, as antibiotics are not readily available without a prescription. Therefore, a prescription is required for antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance and self-medication.
Yes, taking Tylenol and Amoxicillin is safe as they don’t interact.
Topical antibiotics available over the counter include:
Bacitracin
Neomycin
Polymyxin
Benzoyl Peroxide
Some substitutes for antibiotics or natural options to consider include:
Honey
Garlic
Myrrh extract
Oregon
Goldenseal
Turmeric
Your Doctors Online uses high-quality and trustworthy sources to ensure content accuracy and reliability. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations to provide up-to-date and evidence-based information to the users.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care
- NHS. Why can’t I get a prescription for an over-the-counter medicine?
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- Grigoryan L, Germanos G, Zoorob R, Juneja S, Raphael JL, Paasche-Orlow MK, Trautner BW. Use of Antibiotics Without a Prescription in the U.S. Population: A Scoping Review. Ann Intern Med. 2019 Aug 20;171(4):257-263. doi: 10.7326/M19-0505. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31330541.
- Olmeda K, Trautner BW, Laytner L, Salinas J, Marton S, Grigoryan L. Prevalence and Predictors of Using Antibiotics without a Prescription in a Pediatric Population in the United States. Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Mar 1;12(3):491. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics12030491. PMID: 36978358; PMCID: PMC10044616.
