Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat respiratory, skin, urinary tract infections, and other infections and conditions.
Do you need an antibiotic? Connect with a provider on Klarity Health and get antibiotics prescriptions online if medically appropriate.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Antibiotics are medications that target and treat bacterial infections by eliminating or slowing down the growth of bacteria. They are prescribed to treat various conditions, including mild skin rashes and serious infections like pneumonia. Antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections or diseases like the cold, flu, or COVID-19.
Amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalexin, azithromycin, and doxycycline are some of the widely used antibiotics. They treat conditions such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), sinusitis, ear and throat infections, dental issues, respiratory infections, and bacterial meningitis.
Antibiotics are available in many forms, like capsules, tablets, liquids, creams or ointments, and injections. A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and determine what type of antibiotic and what form is best for your condition.
Bacteria are living organisms that cause infections. Antibiotics work by targeting bacteria and killing them or inhibiting them from spreading or multiplying. They work by entering your bloodstream and traveling to the infection site, damaging the structure of bacterial cells that keep them alive.
There are different types of antibiotics, and each works in a unique way. Penicillin is a widely used antibiotic that attacks bacteria’s cell walls. Cephalexin, which is in the cephalosporins family, works similarly. Doxycycline, which is in the tetracycline family, works by blocking bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and spread. Azithromycin also targets protein production.
By attacking cell structure or bacteria’s ability to create proteins, antibiotics help manage infections in the body, enabling your immune system to destroy bacteria and heal from infection.
It’s important to use antibiotics as prescribed and take the entire course of medication. Not doing so can lead to bacterial resistance, which makes antibiotics less effective and may make infections more challenging to treat in the future.
People with certain types of bacterial infections can take antibiotics. They are approved for treating infections in adults, with some antibiotics being prescribed for children to treat conditions like ear infections, strep throat, or bacterial pneumonia. When prescribing antibiotics for children, your provider will consider the child’s age, weight, and type of infection when deciding on the dose and type.
For adults, the type of antibiotic, dose, and duration they take antibiotics will depend on their specific needs and conditions. A licensed healthcare provider can evaluate symptoms and determine the best type.
Special consideration is needed for pregnant people, older people, and people with certain health conditions, as some antibiotics can have adverse effects on fetal growth, when taken with other medications, or when another condition is present. Pre-existing health conditions like kidney or liver diseases may mean that your provider adjusts your dose and monitors your recovery closely. Also, people with weakened immune systems may require more aggressive treatment with antibiotics for them to be effective. Your provider will assess your condition and determine the best dose and regimen.
To get an online antibiotics prescription, start by talking to a qualified healthcare provider who can determine if you have an infection or condition that antibiotics may best treat. Providers who can prescribe antibiotics online include medical professionals such as nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and medical doctors (MDs).
On Klarity Health, you can find a licensed healthcare provider to help you address your health concerns in as little as 24 hours.* If your provider recommends an antibiotic as the best course of treatment, they will write a prescription and send it to an online or local pharmacy and monitor your symptoms while you recover.
When taking antibiotics, it is essential to follow your provider’s instructions regarding dosage and schedule. The appropriate dose depends on factors such as the type of antibiotic, severity of the infection, age, and weight. Taking antibiotics consistently and completing the full course helps eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for strep throat, ear infections, and respiratory conditions. It is available in capsules, tablets, and oral suspension:
Penicillin
Penicillin is used to treat strep throat, pneumonia, ear and skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is available in tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, powders, and injections.
Cephalexin
Cephalexin is prescribed for skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and respiratory infections. It is available in capsules, tablets, and oral suspension.
Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and do not stop early, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance. If you experience side effects or have concerns about your medication, consult a licensed healthcare provider.
You may experience side effects when taking antibiotics. Some of the most common side effects of antibiotics like amoxicillin, penicillin, doxycycline, and cephalexin include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin issues like itchy skin or rashes.
Severe adverse events are also possible. These may include severe allergic reactions like swelling, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical care is important.
Gastrointestinal problems are especially common in antibiotics like doxycycline and erythromycin because they can impact the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut, especially in long-term use. To help protect your gut microbiota, your provider may recommend that you take a probiotic while taking these medications.
Overusing or misusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it difficult for you to recover from an infection and challenging for healthcare providers to treat you. Talking to your provider to ensure antibiotics are the right course of treatment for you and taking them as prescribed can promote healing and reduce issues in the future.
The cost of antibiotics varies based on the type, dosage, quantity, and pharmacy pricing. According to Drugs.com, estimated prices for common antibiotics without insurance are:
Amoxicillin
• 4 capsules (250 mg): $9.85
• 4 capsules (500 mg): $9.77
• 100 tablets (500 mg): $31.66
Penicillin
• 6 tablets (250 mg): $10.57
Cephalexin
• 4 capsules (250 mg): $10.65
• 100 tablets (250 mg): $328.42
Erythromycin
• 3 tablets (250 mg): $21.03
These prices reflect potential out-of-pocket costs before insurance coverage. If your prescribed antibiotic is covered by insurance, your cost may be lower. Additionally, you may find savings through drug discount programs on platforms like Drugs.com, GoodRx, WellRx, NeedyMeds, and SingleCare.
Antibiotics are specifically designed to treat bacterial infections, setting them apart from antiviral and antifungal medications, which target different pathogens.
Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections, such as influenza or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These drugs work by inhibiting viral replication, preventing the virus from multiplying within the body. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses because viruses have a different structure and reproduction process than bacteria.
Similarly, antifungal medications are designed to eliminate fungal infections like athlete’s foot or oral thrush. These drugs attack the fungi’s cell wall or membrane, disrupting their growth and survival.
Using the wrong type of medication for an infection can be ineffective and may contribute to antibiotic resistance or treatment delays. Consulting a licensed healthcare provider is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
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Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in bacterial infection treatment. Select your state to see available providers.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
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