Antibiotics are prescribed quite frequently throughout a person’s life, so you’re probably wondering why you can’t just buy them over the counter.

From treating STIs to UTIs, ear infections to stomach infections – antibiotics are some of the most powerful and quickest remedies against harmful bacteria.

Because there are so many different types of ever-evolving bacteria out there and just as many antibiotics to target them, you need a healthcare professional to prescribe the right one for you.

This article will explore which antibiotics are available over-the-counter and which ones need a prescription.

We’ll also look at what ailments can be treated by antibiotics and when you’d need to consult a medical expert.

Can You Get Antibiotics Over the Counter?
Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are powerful medications that destroy bacteria flonase nasal spray usa or slow their growth.

While some antibiotics are available over-the-counter, most are only available in the United States through a prescription by a healthcare practitioner.

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and medical history and may sometimes run additional tests to find the right antibiotics for you and your ailment.

Additionally, if you have an immediate question, K Health can help you get the best treatment by connecting you with a healthcare professional right away, from wherever you are.



Antibiotics Available Over the Counter
Some topical antibiotics can be purchased as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

However, it is always recommended that you consult a medical expert before purchasing and using any medication.

Topical antibiotics are used to treat skin wounds, scrapes, scratches, and minor burns.

They are available in ointment, cream, spray, or powder forms and are used to prevent infection in topical skin ailments.

Some over-the-counter topical antibiotics include:

Bacitracin (Neosporin)
Polymyxin (Polysporin)
Neomycin (Neosporin Plus Pain Relief)
Pramoxine
Benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv)
Using topical antibiotics when they are not required can do more damage than good and leave your skin overly irritated.

This is why it is essential to use any antibiotics after consulting with a medical professional, even if they are available over-the-counter.

Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics
There are hundreds of types of antibiotics, each with different indications for treatment, and they are each available under varying brand names as well.

Each antibiotic is designed to be effective against specific bacteria, which is why your medical provider will need to determine your ailment to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for you.

Antibiotics are usually specific for the type of bacteria being treated and, in general, cannot be interchanged from one bacterial infection to another.

However, some antibiotics are prescribed more often than others as they may be able to effectively fight multiple types of bacteria at once.

Healthcare providers in the US prescribe over 201 million antibiotic prescriptions annually.

Some common antibiotics prescribed include:

Amoxicillin
This penicillin-type antibiotic fights bacteria and can be prescribed alongside other medications and antibiotics to treat an infection.

Ceftriaxone
This antibiotic is sometimes given before surgery to help prevent infections. It is prescribed for more serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia or meningitis.

Levofloxacin
This antibiotic belongs to a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones and is used to treat many bacterial infections, including bronchitis and respiratory infections.

Due to its multiple side effects, including headaches, numbness, and effects on mental health, it is prescribed usually only when no other alternative is available.

Metronidazole
This antibiotic is most often prescribed to treat digestive and vaginal bacterial infections.

It can also be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) that are caused by a parasite, and a popular brand name for metronidazole is Flagyl.

Clindamycin
This antibiotic stops bacteria’s growth and is quite commonly used to treat rare or severe infections.

Cephalexin
This is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat infections that geodon 40mg tablet are caused by bacteria, such as UTIs, ear flonase nasal spray 50 mcg coupon infections, and bone infections.

It is widely prescribed for adults and children alike.

Doxycycline
Doxycycline is used to treat many ailments, including bacterial pneumonia, acne, chlamydia, Lyme disease, cholera, and syphilis.

This antibiotic is sometimes known to have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

This makes it a useful drug in dermatology infection prevention as well.

There exist many more antibiotics, and you should ask your healthcare provider for a comprehensive list of antibiotics that are available to you and for your illness.


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