Antibiotics prescriptions available online

Learn how antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections with a consultation from one of our board-certified doctors online. Discover our hassle-free way to get a new prescription for antibiotics or refill an existing prescription when needed.*

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Online, same-day doctor appointment booking

Convenient, prompt prescriptions from licensed doctors

Treat many bacterial infections

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.

What are antibiotics, and how do they work?

Antibiotics are medications designed to treat infections caused by bacteria. Sometimes called antibacterials, they refer to any medication that can effectively kill bacteria or stop bacteria from replicating. Antibiotics use a variety of different mechanisms to eliminate or neutralize bacteria. Still, they generally work by:

  • Directly killing bacteria by weakening their cell walls

  • Inhibiting processes that allow bacteria to grow

  • Hampering a bacteria’s ability to repair any damage to its DNA


Your doctor will assess your health and evaluate your symptoms to determine the best course of action for the infection. This may require a blood or urine test.

It’s also always important to remember that antibiotics are not effective against infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu. Your doctor will be able to tell based on your type of symptoms and how long you’ve had them whether or not an infection is likely caused by a bacteria or something else, like a virus or fungi.

When you're sick, the last thing you need is added stress. Our platform connects you with compassionate, experienced care from online physicians who can promptly help discuss your symptoms and see if an antibiotic is right for you. You won’t need to travel to clinics, wait in waiting rooms, or deal with the hassle of in-person appointments. With just a few clicks, you can simply schedule an appointment online. Our board-certified doctors review your symptoms and medical history to get you the prompt treatment you need.

Types of antibiotics available online

The strongest antibiotic for bacterial infections is a prescription-strength option. There are several types of antibiotic medications, each used to treat different bacterial infections. It’s important to discuss your history of allergies or intolerances of any antibiotics so that your doctor can safely prescribe what is needed and determine the most effective choice for your infection.

Side effects and risks of antibiotics

  • When taken as prescribed, antibiotics are generally well tolerated. They can, however, still cause some side effects.

    Different antibiotics will have different side effects. Generally, the most common side effects of antibiotics include

    • Abdominal pain and discomfort

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Diarrhea

    • Dizziness

    • Photosensitivity (more common with tetracyclines)

    • Fungal infections: Because antibiotics kill off protective bacteria in your body, they can allow certain fungal infections to form, including thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Speak to one of our doctors about treatment if you develop these symptoms.


    In rare cases, antibiotics may cause serious side effects, including those of a severe allergic reaction. These symptoms include:

    • A fast heartbeat

    • Wheezing

    • Difficulty breathing

    • Feeling lightheaded or faint


    If you experience any of these side effects or other life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

    One of the main reasons to avoid overusing or misusing antibiotics is that doing so can lead to something called “antibiotic resistance” across the globe.1 Bacteria can replicate at an alarming rate when you have an infection, sometimes as quickly as every five minutes! These bacteria evolve over time because some of them replicate with mistakes, which allow the bacteria to fight off an antibiotic. These bacteria survive and then multiply with that new ability.

    It’s important to only take antibiotics when you have a bacterial infection. Your doctor can help guide you in making a decision on whether or not an antibiotic is right for you. 

    The following conditions and substances may interfere with the efficacy of antibiotics or cause further complications:

    • Alcohol

    • Grapefruit juice

    • Excess calcium, sugars, or yeasts

    • Being pregnant or breastfeeding


    Many antibiotics are safe for pregnant women, but some can be harmful, so tell your doctor if you're pregnant.

    Some antibiotics may affect the effectiveness of other medications you are taking. For example, the antibiotic rifampin can affect the birth control pill's effectiveness. This is the only antibiotic known to reduce the effect of birth control pills, usually prescribed for tuberculosis. Aside from rifampin, you should not have any problems taking an antibiotic while on birth control.

Antibiotics FAQs

  • How should I take antibiotics?

    Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. The length of antibiotic treatment and the dosage will depend on your infection type. Based on your type of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed between 3 to 14 days. Complete the course of antibiotics as instructed to avoid a lingering infection. Antibiotics may be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach.


  • How to get antibiotics without seeing a doctor in person?

    You can get antibiotics online by getting a prescription from a board-certified doctor. Before writing your antibiotic prescription, the doctor will diagnose your infection and take your medical history. If their medical judgment leads them to think you have a bacterial infection, they’ll send a prescription straight to your pharmacy. 

    We make it easy to speak with a board-certified doctor online for antibiotics.

    • Book a doctor’s appointment that is convenient for your schedule.

    • Discuss your medical history and symptoms with your doctor online, who will diagnose your symptoms and provide a treatment plan.

    • If your doctor decides to prescribe you antibiotics, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for you to pick up.

  • Can a pharmacist give you antibiotics or do I need a prescription?

    A pharmacist cannot give you antibiotics without a prescription from a doctor.

  • Do antibiotics make you tired?

    If you get a prescription for antibiotics, you may feel tired and/or fatigued after taking them. This may be a symptom of whatever infection is being treated by the antibiotics or a significant but rare side-effect of the antibiotic itself.

    Luckily, tiredness is not a common side effect of most antibiotics. Some antibiotics are more likely to cause fatigue than others, including:

  • How long does it take for antibiotics to work?

    Antibiotics are potent drugs that can start working quickly. For this reason, there are some misunderstandings regarding the length of time it takes antibiotics to work.

    Antibiotics begin working as soon as you take them; relief begins within one to three days, but you should continue to take them for the duration as instructed by your doctor so they can fully fight off your infection.

    Generally, you should start to feel better within 48 hours. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve by 48 hours, you should see the doctor for a follow-up appointment to discuss next steps. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice, as some infections require in-person care if symptoms worsen at any time. Your doctor will be able to provide you clear instructions as to what to watch out for. 

  • Can you be allergic to antibiotics?

    Allergic reactions can happen with antibiotics and any medication. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can be mild, but some can be very serious and require immediate medical attention.

    If you are allergic to a certain antibiotic, you will react to it almost immediately after administration. Symptoms can vary in type and severity, from a rash (hives),  to trouble breathing, and swelling in the tongue and throat. If you have a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic, known as anaphylaxis, this can be life-threatening. If you develop these symptoms, you should seek in-person medical attention immediately.

    Another type of allergic reaction that can occur with antibiotics is Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe illness affecting your mucus membranes and skin. Stevens-Johnson syndrome starts with flu-like symptoms, including sore throat and fever, and can progress to a painful rash that quickly spreads and causes blisters. The top layer of your skin shedding may follow this.

    Other symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:

    • Skin pain

    • Hives

    • Coughing

    • Swelling in your tongue or face

    • Pain in your throat and mouth


    If you develop signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, you should stop taking the antibiotic immediately and seek in-person medical advice straight away.

  • Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics?

    Yes, urgent care centers can prescribe antibiotics. Our telemedicine doctors can also prescribe antibiotics online after taking your medical history and evaluating your symptoms for the appropriate treatment. 

  • Do I need antibiotics for a wound infection?

    For most infected wounds, you should seek medical treatment. Wounds should look and feel better as time goes on. If a wound looks or feels worse, it is likely infected. Specific symptoms of wound infection include:

    • Skin around the wound is red or hot

    • Swelling

    • Oozing pus (a yellowish liquid)

    • Redness may spread to other areas, often in streaks

    • Aches, pains, or fever

    • Malaise


    If you experience any severe symptoms of wound infection, you should seek immediate medical care since infections can become life-threatening if improperly treated.

    Infected wounds that aren’t treated properly can worsen, leading to loss of limbs or even death. Potential complications from untreated wound infections include:

    • Cellulitis, an infection of deeper tissues that can travel through your blood

    • Sepsis, a severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the blood

    • Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease, which leaves large areas of skin painful and damaged


    Our doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics for wound infections if deemed safe enough to do so over telemedicine, which can heal the infection quickly and help you avoid any serious complications.

3 simple steps to getting antibiotics online 

Step 1

Book an appointment to discuss your infection and see if antibiotics are right for you.

Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your doctor online about your bacterial infection symptoms.

See a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up your antibiotics prescription.

We can send antibiotics to any local pharmacy. Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion.

Antibiotics pricing details

How pricing works

To get antibiotics online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$14.99/month

First month free

First visit

Copay

For all visits

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$14.99/month

First month free

First visit

$129

Repeats only $99

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Antimicrobial Resistance. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html.

  2. MedlinePlus. Antibiotics. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html.

  3. Cleveland Clinic. Antibiotics. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16386-antibiotics.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antibiotic Use: Questions & Answers. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/q-a.html.

  5. PubMed. Antibiotic Resistance. Accessed on October 10, 2023 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535443/.