Key takeaways
- Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic that treats bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, ears, nose, throat, digestive tract, and skin. You can’t buy it over the counter.
- To get a prescription for amoxicillin, you can visit a healthcare professional in person, schedule a virtual consultation, or use an online health service for milder infections like uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- If you have a penicillin sensitivity, a healthcare professional may prescribe alternative antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, or ciprofloxacin, depending on your infection type
Overview
Amoxicillin is a generic antibiotic that doctors commonly prescribe to treat certain types of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
If you need medication for a bacterial infection, you’ll need to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional. Based on your symptoms, they can determine the type of infection you have and the treatment plan that best suits your needs. This could include a prescription for amoxicillin or possibly some other type of antibiotic.
Need a diagnosis or prescription for UTI? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
How to get a prescription for amoxicillin
There are many different types of antibiotics, and which one is right for you will depend on the type of bacterial infection you have and the severity of your symptoms. Amoxicillin is commonly used for bacterial infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, ears, nose, throat, digestive tract, and skin.
A doctor or other healthcare professional can determine what type of antibiotic will be suitable for your condition. They will decide what dosage is right for you and how long you need to take it.
Several options are available for getting an antibiotic prescription from a healthcare professional. For instance, you can:
- make an appointment to consult a doctor or healthcare professional in person
- speak with a pharmacist
- schedule a virtual consultation with your healthcare professional if they offer this service
- use an online health service for some types of milder bacterial infections
- use an online health service if you need to get a refill of amoxicillin and you already have a prescription
Can you get amoxicillin through an online health service?
For some bacterial infections, like an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI), you can get a prescription for amoxicillin through an online health service, like Optum Perks.
You can also use an online health service if you already have a prescription for amoxicillin and need a refill. This can be a convenient, time-saving option, especially if you need amoxicillin as soon as possible. Online health services are typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the need for an appointment.
An uncomplicated UTI typically only affects the lower urinary tract and is usually easy to treat with antibiotics. A complicated UTI, on the other hand, affects the upper portions of the urinary tract, like the kidneys. It can cause flu-like symptoms and lead to serious complications. These UTIs are usually harder to treat.
If you have a UTI with symptoms like fever, chills, or pain in your back or side, it’s important to seek immediate in-person medical care.
Can you buy amoxicillin over the counter (OTC)?
You can’t buy amoxicillin OTC. Antibiotics like amoxicillin are prescription medications you need to take under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
However, pharmacists are becoming more widely able to prescribe antibiotics, so you may be able to access amoxicillin by going to a pharmacy.
Like most drugs, amoxicillin can have side effects and may not be safe for everyone. That’s why it’s important for a healthcare professional to review your symptoms, overall health, and any other medications you may be taking.
This information can help them determine what type of treatment plan may be most effective for you, with the lowest risk of side effects or negative interactions. If amoxicillin isn’t the best or safest option for your condition, your doctor may prescribe a different medication.
It’s also important to only take antibiotics when they are needed. Taking antibiotics too often, or when you don’t need them, may lead to antibiotic resistance.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardAre there alternatives to amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. If you have a sensitivity to penicillin, there are other types of antibiotics that may work well for you.
Depending on the type of bacterial infection you have, a doctor may prescribe one of the following antibiotics instead of amoxicillin:
- Upper respiratory tract infections: doxycycline, erythromycin, or clarithromycin
- Uncomplicated UTIs: trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, or ciprofloxacin
- Pneumonia (non-severe): doxycycline
- Skin infections: doxycycline
- Digestive tract infections: cotrimoxazole
Summary
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication that’s used to treat certain types of bacterial infections. You need a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional for this medication. You can not buy it OTC.
For some conditions, like an uncomplicated UTI, you can get a prescription for amoxicillin through an online health service. You can also use this type of service if you need a refill of amoxicillin. This type of service may be especially helpful if you need a refill after hours or over the weekend when your doctor isn’t available.
It’s important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions when taking amoxicillin. Also, do not take amoxicillin or any other antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes them for you.
Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.