Get antibiotics online in Ontario

You can get antibiotics without an in-person visit by consulting a doctor online in Ontario. Do you still need a prescription? Telehealth makes it easy to obtain one. Through services like Your Doctors Online, you’ll connect virtually with a licensed Ontario doctor who will evaluate your symptoms via chat or video. If they determine that an antibiotic is needed, they can electronically send a prescription to your pharmacy. This means you do not have to physically see a doctor to receive treatment. 

Yes. Ontario allows qualified physicians to prescribe medications through virtual consultations. Telemedicine is considered a legitimate form of medical practice, and doctors must follow the same standards of care as in-person visits when treating you online​.

• If your symptoms are severe or unclear, the telehealth doctor may advise an in-person evaluation instead. 
• Complicated infections might require a physical exam, lab tests, or imaging that can’t be done over video. 
• If it seems like a viral infection (like a cold or flu) or something that doesn’t require antibiotics, the doctor might suggest supportive care or other treatments. 

Ethical telehealth providers in Ontario will refer you to a clinic or ER if that’s in your best interest.

Ontario pharmacists can independently prescribe medications for minor ailments, including certain infections. This means for conditions like uncomplicated UTIs, pink eye, or mild skin infections (impetigo), your local pharmacist may be able to assess and provide an antibiotic without you seeing a doctor. The process can take time, and you might have to wait on the phone. If you need antibiotics for anything more serious than minor ailments, our online doctor services work hand-in-hand by providing a doctor’s prescription. 

Yes. Getting antibiotics online in Ontario is legal through proper channels like Your Doctors Online, where you’ll have a real consultation with a doctor. If you qualify, you will receive a valid prescription. This process is fully compliant with Ontario’s medical regulations and standards. However, it’s illegal to buy antibiotics in Canada without a prescription or from websites that do not follow Canadian law while shipping antibiotics. Health Canada warns against illegitimate online drug sellers.

All virtual visits at Your Doctors Online are private and secure. Your health information is protected by privacy laws just as it would be at a doctor’s office. And rest assured, any prescription you get online is as valid as one you’d get in person. The information is sent to the pharmacy system with the prescriber’s license number and can be filled anywhere in Ontario.

Online doctors in Ontario work just like traditional doctors. During your virtual consultation: 

• The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and duration of illness. 
• They may perform a basic virtual exam, such as asking you to show your throat on camera if you have a sore throat or describe the appearance of an ear infection or rash. 
• Using the clinical information, they’ll make a likely diagnosis. 
• If your presentation fits a bacterial infection that benefits from antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate drug and dosage. 
• They’ll also counsel you on taking the antibiotic and its possible side effects.

Ontario’s telehealth physicians are aware of avoiding unnecessary antibiotics to fight resistance. Sometimes, they recommend a “watchful waiting” approach for mild cases or order a lab test to confirm the infection. For instance, you might get a requisition to a local lab for a strep test, urinalysis, or blood test before prescribing antibiotics for strep throat, UTI, or STI, respectively. This careful process ensures you get the right treatment.

Amoxicillin is one of the most common penicillin antibiotics used for bacterial infections. It is prescription-only, so you cannot buy it over the counter in Ontario, Canada. Do you need an amoxicillin prescription from a qualified healthcare professional? Register on our website and start a virtual consultation in just 5 minutes.  

The side effects of antibiotics depend on their class as well as patient demographics. However, typical side effects might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and should pass once you finish your course of treatment. In contrast, some of the severe side effects of antibiotics are kidney damage, liver damage, blood disorders, seizures, and severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Contact your GP or the doctor immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.  

No, Telehealth Ontario (811) cannot diagnose or prescribe antibiotics. ​Telehealth Ontario (now Health811) is different from private online doctor services. Health811 is a phone and chat service staffed by registered nurses who provide free health advice. However, to actually get an antibiotic, you would need to consult a doctor in person or at telehealth platforms like Your Doctors Online. 

Accessing an online doctor in Ontario can be either OHIP-covered or paid, depending on the service. Currently, if you see your family doctor or a doctor with whom you have an ongoing relationship, a virtual visit would typically be covered by OHIP, just like an office visit. However, on-demand virtual walk-in services at Your Doctors Online offer 24/7 online prescription services without any insurance requirement. You will also pay for the antibiotic at the pharmacy as you normally would. Your antibiotic medication cost might be covered if you have private insurance or Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) coverage (for seniors or eligible groups).