Overview Of Over-The-Counter Antibiotics

Antibiotics seem to treat many bacterial infections. Some of them may kill bacteria. Others appear to stop them from spreading or growing further. Antibiotics may be offered orally, topically, intravenously, or via injection. However, in all cases, they do not seem to help viral infections. This means that they may not work on the common cold and flu, among others. Finishing a course of antibiotics appears necessary to lower the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Oral antibiotics seem to be a common treatment for strep throat. They may also work as a urinary tract infection treatment. Doctors may recommend antibiotic treatment for severe ear infections as well. Some good over-the-counter antibiotics seem to exist, though many may be prescription-only. The best over-the-counter antibiotics may include topical antibiotic ointments.

Possible Reasons That Most Antibiotics Are Prescription-Only

It seems as if most antibiotics are only available with a prescription in the United States. Part of the reason for this may be that doctors should have the knowledge to decide if an antibiotic is needed or not. They may also be able to determine which antibiotic will be effective. Doctors appear to know what antibiotics are unsafe when patients have other health conditions too.

If most antibiotics were available without a prescription, the risk of misuse may be higher. Patients may take them for viral infections. However, they do not seem to help these infections. Individuals may also take them more than necessary, which may increase their risk of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, some antibiotics may have side effects. Doctors should discuss these with patients first to decide if they are worth it.

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Polymyxin B

Polymyxin B, on its own, may only be available with a prescription. However, if it is combined with bacitracin to make Polysporin, a brand of antibiotic ointment, it seems to be over-the-counter. This ointment may treat many infections on the skin from wounds. The wounds that it may help include minor burns, scrapes, and cuts. This ointment also seems to help the wounds heal a little faster. Some patients may be able to prevent infections if they apply it soon enough.

Individuals should consider cleaning their skin wound before using this ointment. Once the wound appears to be dry, they can apply a layer of the ointment. This layer may need to be fairly thin to be effective. It seems to be safe for patients to apply this antibiotic three times daily. A bandage to cover the wound may be helpful. It is rare for symptoms to worsen or persist for more than seven days. However, if they do, patients may want to call their doctor.

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Bacitracin

Bacitracin seems to available on its own as an ointment, as well as in Polysporin. It appears to be used to treat burns, cuts, and scapes if they are minor. Bacitracin may help prevent infection and treat it if it has already occurred. This ointment does not seem to help puncture wounds, animal bites, deep wounds, or severe burns. It may also be unsafe for individuals who are allergic to petroleum jelly or mineral oil.

Patients may only be allowed to apply this ointment to small affected areas. However, it seems to be safe to use one to three times daily. Covering the wound with a bandage may help improve the effectiveness. Allergic reactions may be rare, though individuals should still consider watching for signs of one. These symptoms may include facial swelling, hives, tongue swelling, lip swelling, and breathing problems. Patients may need emergency care for an allergic reaction to this ointment. Finally, pregnant women, or those who are breastfeeding, may need to ask their doctor before using this antibiotic.

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Neomycin

Neomycin appears to be used in a few over-the-counter ointments for the skin. These ones may contain other antibiotics as well, such as bacitracin. Neomycin ointments may prevent infection. They also seem to help increase how fast minor burns, cuts, and scrapes heal. It may work on sores too. Patients should consider washing their hands before and after applying this type of ointment. A thin layer appears to be appropriate. Large amounts used on broken skin may trigger side effects. These effects seem to include hearing loss and kidney issues if the patient's body absorbs too much. This may be by kidney disease patients should talk to their doctor about this type of ointment first. Other side effects may be skin redness, irritation, burning, and itching. Patients may want to report these right away.

Neomycin ointment may not be safe to use on a child's diaper area. If a doctor does believe it is needed, the child does not seem to be able to wear a tight diaper. Tight diapers could make the child absorb more ointment than is safe. Pregnant women may need to ask their doctor about this antibiotic first as well.

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Gramicidin

It seems that gramicidin is used in some over-the-counter lozenges. This antibiotic may also be in topical ointments. Gramicidin may appear along with antiseptics, anesthetic, or other antibiotics. Anesthetics seem to be common in gramicidin lozenges, since they can numb the throat. However, patients with allergies to anesthetics or antibiotics may need to discuss using anything with gramicidin with their doctor first.

Lozenges with this antibiotic may be sweetened with sucrose. Diabetes may need sugar-free lozenges instead. Some individuals may need alternative medication due to possible interactions with gramicidin. In addition, it seems that patients cannot exceed eight lozenges in one day. However, they appear to be able to take them as needed up to this amount. These lozenges may not be safe for children under twelve/.