OTC vs prescribed antibiotics: Which is right for your symptoms?

Antibiotics are powerful medications that fight bacterial infections: think strep throat, UTIs, and some skin issues. But in the U.S., most antibiotics require a prescription — and for good reason. Using the wrong one (or using it too often) can lead to antibiotic resistance, when bacteria learn to outsmart the medications meant to kill them.

Still, some over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics exist, such as topical Neosporin in your local drugstore. But for anything beyond a surface-level treatment, it may be best to get an antibiotic prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

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Licensed providers on Klarity Health will assess your needs online and prescribe medications if it’s clinically appropriate.

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What are antibiotics used for?

Antibiotics are medications that help treat bacterial infections. They kill bacteria or make it difficult for the bacteria to multiply. You can take antibiotics orally via capsules, pills, or liquids — or apply them topically using sprays, ointments, or eye or ear drops. Severe infections are sometimes treated intravenously (by IV).

Antibiotics can treat things like:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Strep throat
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Ear infections
• Bronchitis
• Skin infections
• Acne
• Animal bite infections
• Steph infections
• Bacterial pneumonia 
• Whopping cough
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Lyme disease
• Bacterial sepsis (extreme response to an infection)
• Bacterial upper respiratory infections
• Traveler’s diarrhea

However, antibiotics are not effective for treating viral infections like colds and the flu.

What are over-the-counter antibiotics?

Over-the-counter antibiotics are medications you can purchase without a doctor’s prescription, either at a local drugstore or online. 

Can you request antibiotics over the counter?

While you can’t request prescription-strength oral antibiotics over the counter (this isn’t approved in the United States), there are some OTC topical antibiotics available for purchase without a prescription. 

Which antibiotics can I buy over the counter?

Examples of topical antibiotics available for purchase over the counter include:

• Neomycin/polymyxin/pramoxine (Neosporin plus)
• Bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B (Neosporin and generics)
• Bacitracin/polymyxin (Polysporin and generics)
• Benzoyl peroxide (Clearskin, Oxy-10, and Proactiv)

However, oral antibiotics require a prescription by a licensed healthcare provider in the United States. 

When should I use OTC antibiotics?

You can use over-the-counter topical antibiotics for things like:

• Cuts
• Burns
• Scrapes
• Other small wounds
• Minor skin infections 
• Acne

OTC topical antibiotics help prevent or treat infections within the skin by inhibiting bacterial growth.

What are prescribed antibiotics?

Prescribed antibiotics are oral or topical medicines that help treat infections. They’re prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for various conditions and are a common type of prescription medication. Infect, healthcare practitioners in the U.S. wrote more than 211 million prescriptions for oral antibiotics for patients not staying in hospitals (outpatients).

Do I need a prescription for antibiotics?

Many types of antibiotics require a prescription, but not all. Oral antibiotics in the U.S. require a prescription, while some topical antibiotics do not. 

Top commonly prescribed antibiotics

Examples of commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

• Aminoglycosides: Streptomycin, Gentamicin, and Tobramycin
• Beta-lactams with increased activity: Amoxicillin/clavulanate and Ceftazidime/avibactam
• Cephalosporins: Cephalexin, Cefazolin, Cefdinir, Cefaclor, Cefepime, and Ceftaroline
• Lincosamides: Clindamycin
• Macrolides: Azithromycin, Erythromycin, and Clarithromycin
• Nitroimidazoles: Metronidazole and Tinidazole
• Penicillins: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Ampicillin
• Quinolones: Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin
• Tetracyclines: Tetracycline, Doxycycline, and Minocycline

Penicillins are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. 

When should I use prescribed antibiotics?

Use prescribed antibiotics anytime your healthcare provider suggests these medications to treat a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics aren’t always necessary. Sometimes the body can clear an infection on its own. Your provider determines which medicines are best for you. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least one-third of antibiotic medications prescribed to pediatric patients (babies, children, and teenagers) aren’t necessary. 

OTC vs prescription: what are the differences?

Here are some differences between OTC and prescription antibiotics

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when choosing OTC vs prescription antibiotics, as individualized needs vary from person to person. 

When should I see a doctor for an antibiotics prescription?

Signs of a bacterial infection that may warrant prescription antibiotics include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Swollen, painful, red, pus-filled, or blistered skin
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain, cough, or shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle or joint pain
• Pain during urination
• Frequent urination
• Discharge from your genital area
• Pain during sex

See a healthcare provider anytime you develop new or unusual symptoms that don’t resolve on their own or are severe. 

How can I get an antibiotics prescription online?

If you’re interested in receiving an online antibiotics prescription, simply schedule a telehealth appointment via Klarity Health. Your medical provider discusses your medical history and symptoms, determines if you need diagnostic testing, and reviews your treatment options. You may also complete an intake questionnaire. Book an appointment today!

Not sure whether OTC is enough or you need a prescription? 

Reach out to a board-certified provider through Klarity Health. They determine if you need an OTC antibiotic, prescription antibiotic, or another type of medication.

Unsure whether OTC treatment is right for you?

Speak with a provider through Klarity to get personalized guidance and explore prescription options if needed.

Book your consultation now