{"id":627769,"date":"2024-04-14T15:11:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-14T19:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627769"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:00:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:00:54","slug":"amoxicillin-over-the-counter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amoxicillin-over-the-counter\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I get amoxicillin over the counter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amoxicillin<\/span><\/a> is a beta-lactam antibiotic in the <\/span>penicillin antibiotic family<\/span><\/a>. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic available only by prescription in the United States for various bacterial infections, and there is no over-the-counter (OTC) equivalent. A licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner, must issue a prescription order for you to acquire amoxicillin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Penicillin<\/span><\/a> in its original form was discovered in 1928 by chance, and antibiotics continue to evolve even 100 years later. Bacteria are smart organisms. They adapt to survive. The bacteria will adjust and overcome after repeated exposure to the same antibiotic. It is critically important for our drug use and development to account for this ability and preserve the efficacy of our arsenal of antibiotics. <\/span>Amoxicillin<\/span><\/a> was introduced in the 1970s and was a significant antibiotic development. <\/span>Amoxicillin is more stable<\/span><\/a> in the gastrointestinal environment than penicillin and is better absorbed than another antibiotic in the same family, ampicillin. Because of these advantages, amoxicillin is less likely to cause <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> like diarrhea than its counterparts. <\/span><\/p>\n

Amoxicillin is most commonly used in <\/span>respiratory tract infections<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>sinus<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ear infections<\/span><\/a>, and skin-related infections. It may also be used for <\/span>urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>strep throat<\/span><\/a>. Amoxicillin is void of serious side effects in most patients unless there is a history of an allergy to the same class. If you have <\/span>a penicillin allergy<\/span><\/a>, you are also likely to have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin and should not take amoxicillin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amoxil was one of the original brand names of the active ingredient amoxicillin, and it comes in many strengths and dosage forms. These include oral capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid suspensions. While the solid oral dosage forms can be kept at room temperature, the suspension should be refrigerated once reconstituted. Amoxicillin can be used in children and adults with no history of an allergic adverse reaction to penicillin-like antibiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Amoxicillin vs. penicillin: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Can you get amoxicillin over the counter?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Amoxicillin is not available over-the-counter or without a prescription in the United States. There is no similar or equivalent product available over the counter. This drug requires a licensed healthcare provider to issue your prescription for amoxicillin or any antibiotic after a thorough evaluation. Antibiotics are prescription drugs that are only indicated and effective for bacterial infections. Many viral infections can mimic and have similar symptoms to bacterial infections, but antibiotics will not provide resolution to viral infections. Utilizing antibiotics for viral infections is dangerous because it can lead to antibiotic resistance and leave you with minimal treatment options for actual bacterial infections in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Amoxicillin (Amoxil) alternatives: What can I take instead of amoxicillin?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Are there antibiotics you can get over the counter?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are no systemic antibiotics available over the counter in the United States. There are topical preparations that contain antibiotics for local, superficial use. These include <\/span>Neosporin<\/span><\/a> (neomycin, bacitracin, polymyxin) and <\/span>polysporin<\/span><\/a> (polymyxin, gramicidin). These products would be appropriate for treating minor skin abrasions that are vulnerable to infections. Topical antibiotics would not be adequate for a wound that is warm to the touch or oozing. These symptoms can indicate a more serious infection. This type of wound requires medical attention and possible prescription medications for treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Risks and danger of OTC antibiotics<\/span><\/h2>\n

In countries with over-the-counter antibiotic options, these medications are used unnecessarily and inappropriately up to 50% of the time. Antibiotic resistance is high in these countries due to the drug being used for inappropriate purposes as well as being dosed incorrectly or taken for an inadequate amount of time. The United States continues to educate doctors on the appropriate prescribing of antimicrobials to preserve the efficacy of our current antibiotic arsenal. Since 1987, there has been a significant lapse in new antibiotic discovery and development. Unfortunately, the bacterial spectrum has continued to evolve. <\/span><\/p>\n

Amoxicillin is eliminated primarily in the renal system. Therefore, patients with kidney disease or other medical conditions related to the kidneys may not be able to take amoxicillin or may have to <\/span>adjust the dose<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few very important aspects of antimicrobial therapy: <\/span><\/p>\n