Question 1

why can i buy bacitracin over-the-counter while other antibiotics have to be prescribed? i've been told by doctors that antibiotics need to be taken for the full time period that they are prescribed. why isn't bacitracin subject to the same rules since it

Accepted Answer

Good : Good question. The fda makes these rules. They felt that  topical antibiotics like Bacitracin  would be safe over the counter. Pills on the other hand were not judged to be safe and might be over used leading to resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic. So those were factors the fda considered in restricting or allowing use of one versus the other. What the fda decides can change from year to year based upon those in charge. Science and politics and lobbying and public opinion all play roles in fda decisions.

Question 2

my baby has eczema and i think its getting worse. isnt there some antibiotics that i can buy over the counter?

Accepted Answer

See your pediatricia: No antibiotics are needed unless infection see you pediatrician. There are topical therapies available if needed. Good general skin care and moisturizer use will help. Sometimes diet/food allergies may play a fool in worsening eczema.

Question 3

whats something similar that i can buy over the counter thats like an antibiotic? i cant seem to get one over the counter and i feel like i need one. something like a herbal antibiotic that would work just like a real antibiotic.might have infection?

Accepted Answer

: Antibiotics in the US are available only on prescription which minimizes risks and inappropriate usage.  There are no herbal antibiotics which function as an antibiotic.  Herbal stuff is usually not tested, nor are the contents of the containers likely to contain what the label says.  If you think you are infected, see your family doctor to rule it in or out.

Question 4

im taking levaquin (levofloxacin) and now i think i have a yeast infection, is it ok to buy over-the-counter meds to treat it while taking the antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

YES: Yeast infections are very common to acquire when taking antibiotics.  Generally speaking, it is recommedned to start the treatment after the anti-biotics, or the yeast infection may simply return.  The otc meds are fine to try, and several of them used to be rx in the not so distant past.

Question 5

can i buy antibiotic ointment over-the-counter or do i need a prescription?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You can get neosporin , polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin) or triple antibiotic ointment over the counter.

Question 6

can you buy ceftriaxone rocephin antibiotic over the counter?

Accepted Answer

No: If you live in the us, all antibiotics need a prescription. It is for your safety.

Question 7

can you buy antibiotic ear drops over the counter?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Need to see your physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Question 8

are there any over-the-counter antibiotics for tooth issues?

Accepted Answer

No: There are not any over the counter treatment for an infected tooth.  You need to see a dentist to determine what the infection is and the best treatment.  Do not try to treat yourself.

Question 9

over the counter antibiotics for ears infection?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: First, one's doctor needs to diagnose the type of ear infection. There is more than one type, and the treatment can vary depending on which type. Secondly, in the US, antibiotics for ear infections are not over-the-counter. We don't want people self-treating when diagnoses are not accurate if self-diagnosing, because that leads to antibiotic overuse which leads to side effects and resistant germs.

Question 10

is there any over-the-counter antibiotics i can take for a abcess in the tooth?

Accepted Answer

No: Antibiotics are prescription medications for good reason.  There a multiple kinds of antibiotics and the prescriber has to know which ones will work for a particular situation.  Antibiotics don't cure infections, they help your body fight them.  A tooth abscess needs to be treated by a dentist.  It will not go away with antibiotics.

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Doctor answers about:

Can I buy over the counter antibiotics

A member asked:

Why can i buy bacitracin over-the-counter while other antibiotics have to be prescribed? i've been told by doctors that antibiotics need to be taken for the full time period that they are prescribed. why isn't bacitracin subject to the same rules since it

A member asked:

My baby has eczema and i think its getting worse. isnt there some antibiotics that i can buy over the counter?

A member asked:

Whats something similar that i can buy over the counter thats like an antibiotic? i cant seem to get one over the counter and i feel like i need one. something like a herbal antibiotic that would work just like a real antibiotic.might have infection?

A member asked:

Im taking levaquin (levofloxacin) and now i think i have a yeast infection, is it ok to buy over-the-counter meds to treat it while taking the antibiotic?

A member asked:

Can i buy antibiotic ointment over-the-counter or do i need a prescription?

A member asked:

Can you buy ceftriaxone rocephin antibiotic over the counter?

A member asked:

Can you buy antibiotic ear drops over the counter?

A member asked:

Are there any over-the-counter antibiotics for tooth issues?

A member asked:

Over the counter antibiotics for ears infection?

A member asked:

Is there any over-the-counter antibiotics i can take for a abcess in the tooth?

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