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Antibiotics
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Antibiotics prescriptions available online

Learn how antibiotics can help bacterial infections with a consultation from one of our board-certified doctors online. Get a new prescription for antibiotics or refill an existing prescription.*

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*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.
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About antibiotics

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 the bacteria from reproducing, thus treating conditions caused by bacteria. They can sometimes be prescribed to prevent bacterial infections as well. There are seven types of prescription antibiotics.

What antibiotics treat

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria. It is sometimes difficult to determine if the infection is caused by a bacteria or a virus because symptoms for both infections may be similar.

Doctors will assess the situation and conduct the necessary examinations to determine the best course of action for the particular infection. This may require a blood or urine test.

Some common bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics are:

 

As noted earlier, antibiotics are not effective against infections caused by viruses (i.e. cold and flu). Certain infections like sinus infections and upper respiratory infections are also commonly caused by viruses, but bacterial infections can develop as a secondary infection after an initial viral infection.

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.

Penicillins

Penicillins are the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. Penicillins are prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including strep throat bacterial pneumonia, gonorrhea, UTIs, and more.
Penicillin
Amoxicillin
Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate)
Omnipen (ampicillin)

Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins can also be used to treat many bacterial infections, including strep throat, gonorrhea, and more. They are also often used to treat skin infections.
Duricef
Keflex
Cefzil
Ceftin
Omnicef

Macrolides

Macrolides are often prescribed to treat sinus infections, ear infections, and other bacterial infections. Overuse of this antibiotic has, unfortunately, led it to be less effective than it used to be (due to a phenomenon called “bacterial resistance”), but it can still be the right choice in many situations.
Z-pack (azithromycin)

Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are often used to treat STDs like chlamydia and syphilis, skin infections, and acne, among other bacterial infections.
Minocin (minocycline)
Doxycycline

Others

Other types of antibiotics that do not fit into the above categories include:
Cleocin (clindamycin)
Flagyl (metronidazole)
Bactrim
Levaquin
Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
Avelox

3 simple steps to getting antibiotics online

How antibiotics work

The antibiotics you are prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

 

Antibiotics use a variety of different mechanisms to eliminate or neutralize bacteria. 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 convenient online 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 are 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.



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 risks

Antibiotics are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

 

One of the main risks of taking antibiotics is developing antibiotic resistance. This can occur if you do not complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed to you.

 

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. There are many antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women, but some can be harmful.

Antibiotics drug interactions

When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you’re taking.

Some antibiotics may affect the effectiveness of other medications you are taking. For example, the antibiotic rifampin can affect the effectiveness of the birth control pill.

Antibiotics pricing details

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

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
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  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

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Visits

Copay

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:

 

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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Antibiotics FAQs

  • Yes. If a PlushCare doctor determines that antibiotics are medically necessary for your condition, they can write you a prescription during your virtual appointment. All of PlushCare’s physicians are U.S. board-certified and licensed to practice in your state. After your consultation, if appropriate, they will electronically send the prescription to your local pharmacy, allowing you to pick up your medication just as you would after an in-person visit. Please note that our doctors will only prescribe antibiotics when clinically indicated and in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • A pharmacist cannot give you antibiotics without a prescription from a doctor.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, meaning they are not effective for treating viral or fungal infections. The doctor will be able to diagnose your infection as bacterial based on your symptoms, medical history and the length of infection. If they are unable to comfortably diagnose your infection they will write you a lab referral for testing. Once your results are in they will prescribe you an appropriate treatment plan, including antibiotics online if necessary.
  • The length of antibiotic treatment and the dosage will depend on the type of infection you have. Typically antibiotics are prescribed for 3 to 14 days. It is important to take the full course of prescribed antibiotics to avoid developing antibiotic resistance.
  • Antibiotic resistance refers to bacteria that have become immune to certain types of antibiotic treatment due to previous exposure. To help prevent antibiotic resistance, it is important to complete your prescribed antibiotic treatment and only take antibiotics when you have a bacterial infection.
  • Most antibiotics do not affect birth control, but it’s important to know which antibiotics do interfere with your birth control and to consult with a physician if you are unsure. To date, the only antibiotic that is known to reduce the effect of birth control pills is rifampin, which is usually prescribed as a treatment for tuberculosis.
  • The best thing you can do to reduce the potential for antibiotics side effects is to take them as the label and follow your doctor’s instructions. Most antibiotics should be taken with food, as this can help to improve absorption and prevent an upset stomach. However, some must be taken with just water on an otherwise empty stomach.

  • Some antibiotics may cause dizziness. A dizzy feeling may also be caused by your illness or dehydration.

     

    Wound infection symptoms 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
    • 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

     

    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

Antibiotics resources

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 June 17, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=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 June 17, 2024 at https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=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/.



PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.