Over the Counter Antibiotics
Over the counter drugs are drugs that you can buy off the shelf without a doctor’s prescription. Most of the drugs available in this category typically cure minor ailments – for example, pain, inflammation, bacterial infections and muscle spasms. Other examples include herbal medicines and nutrient boosters (for instance, vitamin shots).
Over the counter drugs are a very convenient source of relief. They are easily accessible and are at times cheaper than prescription-only medications. This article tries to give you direct insight into over the counter drugs and helps you choose and buy the best over the counter antibiotics.
When to Buy Antibiotics OTC
Very many people are uncertain of whether or not they should buy drugs over the counter, or use the more strenuous method of getting a prescription first. Here are few instances where buying over the counter drugs would be well worth the effort;
- When you’ve got a verified diagnosis. Sometimes doctors recommend taking specific antibiotics for specific ailments. If your doctor recommends that you use one of the many antibiotics that are available today, you may procure the drug in any way you want. And most often, many people chose to buy the recommended antibiotic over the counter because it’s easier and faster.
- When you need to extend your current treatment course. Even after we’ve finished a certain amount of medicine, we may feel that we need to extend our treatment course, either due to personal choice, or because a doctor’s prescription isn’t over yet. If this happens, the easiest way to buy your antibiotic of choice is to head over to your local chemist or store and purchase the medicine over the counter.
- When you suffer from the same ailment a second time. If you’ve suffered from a disease once, and after going to the hospital the doctor recommended a certain antibiotic, it would be smart to try the same antibiotic the next time you suffer from the same ailment.
How to Buy Antibiotics Over the Counter
Do you want to buy a particular over the counter antibiotic but aren’t sure how to go about it? You’re not alone. Very many people know the benefits of buying over the counter medications, but they aren’t sure where exactly they can make their purchases.
Here are four ways that you can choose from if you want to buy over the counter antibiotics;
- From a pharmacy. Though most drugs sold in pharmacies are prescription-only, there are others that can be bought without a prescription. If buying your antibiotic of choice isn’t restricted to prescription-only sales, there isn’t a reason why your local chemist would refuse to sell you your antibiotic medication over the counter.
- From a supermarket. If a drug is legally available off the counter, you may find it at your local brick and mortar store. Though they aren’t loaded with all available OTC antibiotics, you may find common medicines such as Amoxil. If you’re not sure whether your chosen antibiotic is available, just walk into a store and ask for it, chances are that you won’t be disappointed.
- Online. From the convenience of your bedroom, you can now order any antibiotic that you want by using your phone or computer. This is the best and most convenient way of buying OTC antibiotics since you can choose from a very wide variety of available medications. Furthermore, if a particular antibiotic drug isn’t available over the counter in your country, you can always order it online from a country where there are no restrictions on the sale of that antibiotic.
- Bringing them from abroad. Sometimes you are interested in buying an antibiotic that’s prescription-only in your country, but you aren’t comfortable using the internet to order the drug. That’s fine. The next time you’re traveling abroad, you can buy the drugs yourself and then bring them back into your country free of charge. Also, you can also ask a traveling friend for a favor – they may agree to buy the meds for you and carry them back to your country. This helps you avoid the hustle of having to get a prescription first before you can make a purchase.
Pros and cons of OTC antibiotics
Even with all the great tips, success stories and guides like this one on buying OTC antibiotics, the practice is still a gray area. There are many pros as there cons of buying OTC drugs as opposed to using a prescription to buy medicine from a pharmacy.
Below is an overview of the various pros and cons of buying over the counter antibiotics.
The pros:
- Flexibility. Unlike normal channels of buying medicine where you need to go to a doctor and get a prescription, then suffer the hustle of going to a pharmacy to buy the medicine, you can buy OTC antibiotics online from the comfort of your bedroom.
- It’s cheaper. If you have to use your money to go to a doctor, then to a pharmacy to use your prescription, why not save yourself the costs by ordering over the counter antibiotics online or from your local store, if they are available. In addition to offering lower prices, many online pharmacies have promotions and coupons that could help you buy your medicine even cheaper.
- A wide variety to choose from. Very rarely will you find a local chemist stocking even a tiny fraction of all the available antibiotics in the market. However, online chemists have the capability to stock a huge variety of OTC antibiotics, giving you the freedom to choose the best option based on quality, effectiveness, cost and side effects.
The cons:
- Getting low-quality drugs. This is especially true in online sales where some websites may send you low-quality medicine that is worth less than the amount you paid for.
- Scammers. This disadvantage also affects those who go online to buy OTC antibiotics. With website creation so easy nowadays, many scammers are posing as legitimate pharmacies and then ripping off their customers by receiving payments, but not delivering the drugs.
- The risk of drug misuse. Since OTC drugs have no prescriptions or any regulation, many people take them at will and may take antibiotics blindly without enough knowledge of what ailment they are suffering from. This has led to very many cases of people worsening their conditions, or the pathogens in their body growing resistant to common antibiotics. Choose wisely the next time you need to make an over the counter purchase.
- The risk of overdose. With no restrictions on the amount and frequency of buying OTC antibiotics, many people risk taking large doses of the medicine to try and get rid of their symptoms faster. This rarely works and may lead to serious health repercussions. Although you don’t go to a doctor before making a purchase, take OTC medicine with the same respect that you would give to prescription-only medicine.
OTC antibiotics
After knowing how and when to buy over the counter antibiotics, it’s time to learn what the best options available in the market today are. Though there are hundreds of different antibiotics available, this guide only lists the best drugs in terms of efficiency and quality. Here are the antibiotics you could consider buying the next time you visit your chemist or go online.
Generic Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate)
Augmentin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that is used to fight bacterial infections. It works by impeding the growth and spread of the bacteria. It contains clavulanate potassium and amoxicillin as the active agents.
Augmentin can be used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, sinusitis and urinary tract infections. The tablets should be taken consistently together with a meal and a small amount of water. In most cases, the signs start going away after a few days of medication, but you should continue taking the medicine until your prescription is over.
If you stop taking the medication before it’s time to, the bacteria may regrow rapidly, causing a relapse of the infection which may be more severe than before. In addition, it could also lead to the bacteria developing a resistance to Augmentin, which means that you can no longer be cured with this medication.
Augmentin comes in many forms and strengths, the most common of them being the Augmentin 875 mg tablet. As for the oral suspension, you should take it as directed by your doctor, or by following the instructions printed on the leaflet that comes with the package. The standard tablet contains both amoxicillin and clavulanate, its composition is Augmentin 875 125, indicating that there is more of amoxicillin than clavulanate.
Before taking Augmentin, ensure that you’ve never suffered from serious liver diseases, kidney disease or are allergic to clavulanate or amoxicillin. In addition, penicillin-based antibiotics work in the same way as Augmentin, if you are allergic to penicillin, you should be cautious when buying it. Consider using another antibiotic to treat your infection.
Augmentin has severe interactions with blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), other antibiotics, probenecid, and allopurinol. In addition, herbal remedies and vitamin boosters may also reduce the effectiveness of Augmentin.
Some of the side effects that you may encounter after taking Augmentin include pale skin, agitation and unusual thoughts, severe skin tingling and rashes, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, headaches.
You should never overdose on Augmentin as it may cause severe discomfort or even lead to dangerous consequences. Some of the signs of an overdose include severe stomach pain, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, skin rashes, and hyperactivity. You should consult your doctor immediately after you discover that you’ve taken more than you should, or when you notice the above symptoms of an overdose.
On the other hand, missing a dose has less severe consequences. If you skip a single dose, you can take it immediately after you remember. However, if the timing is close to your next dose, you can skip the missed one, and take the next dose on time. However, if you miss multiple doses within a few days, you suffer the risk of the bacteria developing a resistance to Augmentin, which may render the drug ineffective in treating your ailment.
Generic Flagyl - Flagyl ER
Flagyl – also called metronidazole in its generic form – is an antibiotic drug used to combat a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections. The diseases that are treated using metronidazole affect different parts of the human body such as the nervous system, the blood, skin, vagina, the heart and the gynecological area.
You can buy Flagyl over the counter to treat diseases such as STDs (e.g. trichomonas), bacterial vaginosis, meningitis, acne rosacea, bacterial septicemia, giardia among others.
The drug is usually available in the form of metronidazole tablets with various strengths. Flagyl 500 mg and Flagyl 250 mg tablets are the most common strengths that you will find in a pharmacy. You shouldn’t take Flagyl tablets if you’re allergic to tinidazole, or have suffered from liver diseases, nervous system disorders, Crohn’s disease, and blood disorders.
Some of the side effects that you may experience after taking metronidazole 500 mg or 250 mg tablets include vision problems, itchy and painful eyes, watery diarrhea, bloody stool, painful urination, severe skin rashes and itching, swelling of your face, muscle pains, headaches, numbness of the hands and feet, stiffness of the neck and stomach aches.
Flagyl is a strong drug that works very quickly and very actively. You should only take as much metronidazole as needed. If your doctor prescribes Flagyl 500 mg tablets, you shouldn’t take any more than that, as that may result in overdose and produce very severe effects. Skipping doses may put you at risk of further infection, especially for diseases such as flu or colds.
When taking the tablets, don’t break them as you might do with other pills. Since Flagyl is a quick working drug, it should be released into the blood stream gradually. Breaking the tablets may cause the ingredients to be absorbed too quickly, which may cause you to experience the side effects of the drug. Thus, always swallow the tablets whole.
Before buying metronidazole over the counter, you should know the substances that interact with Flagyl. They include blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), disulfiram, medications with a high concentration of lithium, cimetidine, and medications used to treat seizures and other diseases of the nervous system. In addition, alcohol has been found to reduce the effectiveness of metronidazole, and in some cases has caused severe discomforts such as stomach aches and headaches.
Generic Amoxil – Amoxicillin
Amoxil is a penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. You can buy over the counter amoxicillin to treat bacterial infections such as bacterial tonsillitis, gonorrhea, bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia, nose infections, and urinary tract infections.
In addition to the diseases named above, amoxicillin can be used in combination with clarithromycin in the treatment of ulcers that result from the Helicobacter pylori infection.
The standard strength of most over the counter amoxicillin pills is the amoxicillin 500mg tablet. This is the strength produced by most companies that manufacture Amoxil. Apart from tablets, Amoxil also comes in other forms such as chewable tablets, oral suspensions, capsules and an oral powder.
You shouldn’t take this medication if you’re allergic to other penicillin antibiotics (e.g. ampicillin), or if you’re suffering from liver diseases, kidney complications, and asthma.
Some of the side effects that you may experience after taking Amoxil include watery diarrhea, constant fevers, joint pains, general body weakness and fatigue, episodes of unusual bleeding, severe skin reactions (e.g. red spots under the skin), stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, tingling and numbness of the hands and feet.
Some of the drugs that interact with Amoxil include vitamin boosters, herbal remedies, cancer treatment, contraceptives and blood thinners.
After buying amoxicillin over the counter, ensure that you only take appropriate doses without taking more than needed or skipping doses. Skipping doses leads to a relapse of the infection after the treatment is over while overdosing can result in severe health complications such as headaches, nausea, vomiting and high fevers. Seek medical attention if you overdose on amoxicillin.
Sometimes, the symptoms of your disease may take longer to go away. Don’t be tempted to take Amoxil for longer than is necessary, as this has been found to reduce its effectiveness in your body and also to cause severe adverse effects. If your symptoms don’t go away, visit a doctor for a checkup instead of buying more over the counter amoxicillin.
Generic Cipro – Ciprofloxacin
Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the body. It is part of a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics and acts by impeding the growth of the bacteria and preventing their further replication.
The active agent, ciprofloxacin, is one of the rare antibacterial agents that fight multiple types of bacteria. Cipro antibiotic can be used to treat diseases such as pneumonia, typhoid fever, prostatitis, sinusitis, skin infections, gonorrhea, bone and joint ailments, urinary tract infections, and bacteria-caused diarrhea. Ciprofloxacin doesn’t work for viral infections such as flu, so don’t buy over the counter Cipro as a way of treating those, it simply won’t work.
Cipro comes in many forms and strengths. Various forms of Cipro include tablets, suspensions, and injection concentrates. The most common strength is Cipro500 mg. For most infections treated by Cipro antibiotics, ciprofloxacin 500mg – 1000mg is the standard dose. This dose should be taken only once a day, approximately at the same time. Other available doses are between 200 mg to 400 mg and can be taken every 8 – 12 hours, or twice a day.
You should be cautious when taking Cipro if you’re allergic to ciprofloxacin, have tendon disorders, any joint diseases, suffer from kidney diseases, liver disorders, any heart conditions, have history of seizures or are using blood thinners, e.g. warfarin.
In addition, the effects of ciprofloxacin on pregnant women haven’t been determined yet. As such, it is recommended that women refrain from taking Cipro as an antibiotic during pregnancy.
The more serious side effects you may encounter after taking ciprofloxacin include numbness, hypersensitivity to light, touch, and temperature, skin rashes, severe headaches, ringing in your ears, chest pains, quick or irregular heartbeat or dizziness. If you happen to feel any of these after taking Cipro, seek medical assistance immediately.
The symptoms are almost always mild, but if they cause too much discomfort, you should seek medical attention.
Some of the substances that interact with Cipro include herbal medications, sildenafil and other ED medication, diuretics and NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen and aspirin.)
Although it is reasonably safe for use, Cipro has been known to cause tendon damage, e.g. tendon rupture and tendonitis. The risk of suffering from this tendon injuries increases as you age, with older adults over 65 years old being at the highest risk of suffering from these effects. Contact your doctor immediately you start experiencing pain or swelling in your joints, muscles or tendons.
Generic Keflex – Cephalexin
Keflex is a cephalosporin antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria.
Cephalexin comes in the forms of oral capsules, suspension, and tablets. When taking the tablets and capsules, take them with water, and you are advised to accompany them with a meal. The most common strength is Keflex 500mg, which is also the common dose for most diseases. Your dosage depends on many factors such as age, the illness you have, the severity of your condition, and other drugs that you are using. Apart from cephalexin 500mg, there are other strengths such as the 250 mg and 750 mg, commonly available as tablets and capsules.
The standard dose for adults is 250 mg taken every 6 hours, though more persistent bacteria can be treated with 500 mg taken every 12 hours. Children are usually given between 25 mg - 100 mg, though a doctor may adjust the dose. Keflex takes effect on the bacteria very rapidly, and the symptoms of your disease may go away after a few days of taking the medication. However, you shouldn’t stop taking medicine since this may cause the bacteria to grow resistant to cephalexin, leading to further health risks and a relapse of the disease
You shouldn’t use Keflex if you’re allergic to cephalexin, which is the main ingredient. Also, take caution if you’re allergic to penicillin, or have suffered from kidney conditions or intestinal problems. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cephalexin in all cases unless a doctor deems it a necessity.
Some possible side effects that you may experience after taking Keflex include vaginal itching and discharge, impaired urination, jaundice, headaches, dizziness, a constant feeling of fatigue, diarrhea, joint pains, confusion or hallucinations.
Some of the substances that may interact with Keflex antibiotic include alcohol, birth control pills, herbal remedies, diabetes drugs, and metformin.
Generic Bactrim - Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole
Bactrim is an antibiotic drug that is made up of the combination of two active compounds; Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole. It’s also available under the brand name of Bactrim DS in some countries.
The medicine is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, respiratory infections, intestinal diseases, middle ear conditions and urinary tract infections. It doesn’t work for viral infections such as flu or common colds.
Bactrim DS comes in the form of an oral suspension or as tablets. It should be taken with a glass of water, and you can accompany it with a meal. During the course of your treatment, you should take a lot of fluids since taking Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole exposes you to the risk of contracting kidney stones.
Don’t take Bactrim if you are allergic to either of the two active compounds, are suffering from kidney or liver diseases, have anemia or any other blood disorder. Consult a doctor first if you have asthma, HIV/AIDS or a thyroid disorder. Also, always ensure that you are taking a healthy diet when taking Bactrim, and avoid it when you feel malnourished.
Some of the side effects of using Bactrim include watery diarrhea, bloody or stained stool, symptoms of a common cold or a cough, headaches, liver problems, abdominal pain, darker urine, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, itching or skin rashes.
These side effects are mostly mild, and, in most cases, only occur when you start taking Bactrim, after which they gradually fade as you progress with your medication.
Some substances that interact with Bactrim include blood thinners, hydantoins, live vaccines, birth control pills and methenamine. Avoid taking Bactrim DS together with these substances since they may reduce its effectiveness or cause severe discomfort.
If you miss a dose, always take it immediately after you remember, or skip it if it is close to your next dose. Avoid taking two doses closely together, or taking an overdose of Bactrim DS as this may lead to side effects such as severe abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Consult a doctor if the symptoms of your overdose cause too much discomfort.
Generic Levaquin – Levofloxacin
Levaquin is an antibiotic drug that is also known by its generic name – levofloxacin. It is used to fight bacteria in the body by inhibiting their multiplication. It achieves this by preventing the reproduction of bacteria and preventing the repair of their genetic material.
Levofloxacin is used to treat infections of the ear, respiratory system, joints, and bones. It also treats urinary tract infections, prostatitis, bacteria-caused diarrhea, and mastitis. In rare cases, it’s been used to improve the conditions of people exposed to anthrax.
Levaquin comes in the form of tablets, with the typical strength being the Levaquin 500 mg tablets. The medicine should only be taken once daily unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. The dosage and length of treatment are determined by many factors, such as your age, health condition, the severity of your disease and your response to similar treatment. The standard dose for the treatment of most illnesses is levofloxacin 500 mg pills. If your condition doesn’t improve after a few days of taking the medication, visit your doctor for a change of prescription.
Taking too much Levaquin in a bid to speed up healing may result in harmful effects, so stick to your prescribed amount for the whole duration of treatment. In addition, skipping doses is equally damaging, since it may leave you prone to a relapse of the same illness and also lead to the bacteria developing a tolerance to Levaquin and other similar antibiotics. This makes healing even more difficult and may cause further worsening of your condition.
You shouldn’t take Levaquin if you are allergic to its ingredients. The main symptoms of a major allergic reaction are anaphylaxis, hives, and rashes. You should visit a doctor if these reactions are severe.
Some of the less dangerous side effects of Levaquin include nausea and vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, sleeping difficulties, constipation, dizziness, skin rashes and itching and abdominal pain.
Some substances that interact with Levaquin are ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs), live bacterial vaccines and birth control pills. Taking Levaquin together with these substances may reduce its effectiveness and may lead to physical discomforts such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Generic Zithromax
Zithromax is an antibiotic medicine that is used to fight bacteria in the body. The main ingredient in Zithromax is azithromycin which fights bacteria by reducing the production of proteins, which in turn inhibits the growth of the bacteria.
It’s used to treat many diseases such as pneumonia, intestinal conditions, ear infections, chlamydia, gonorrhea and strep throat. It can also be used alongside other medicines in the treatment of malaria.
Zithromax comes in the form of tablets, or an injection suspension. The most common strength is the azithromycin 500 mg, which is the standard dose for many infections. After buying azithromycin over the counter, always ensure you read the leaflet well and then follow the directions for use carefully.
Don’t take Zithromax if you are allergic to azithromycin, have jaundice, suffer from kidney and liver diseases or have a heart condition. Unlike most antibiotics, Zithromax is safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, children under six months old shouldn’t take Zithromax.
In addition to individual tablet packs, Zithromax now comes packed as a Zithromax Z pak antibiotic package. The package mostly comes equipped with five days’ worth of tablets. 500 mg for the first day and 250 mg for the remaining four days. This is the most convenient pack that you can use to treat most bacterial infections.
The side effects of Zithromax include constipation, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, hearing problems, fatigue and/or skin rashes.
Although it’s reasonably safe, Zithromax use has been linked to increased risk of heart problems. The drug may cause irregular heartbeats, which in severe cases may lead to cardiovascular complications. If you experience a highly irregular pulse that affects your normal functioning, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Some of the substances that are known to interact with azithromycin include blood thinners, herbal remedies, and vitamin boosters. Avoid taking these substances together with Zithromax.
Generic Avelox – Moxifloxacin
Avelox is a very effective antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Some of the diseases which are treated using Avelox include sinus infections, lung diseases, stomach ailments and skin infections. It can also be used to prevent or treat plague.
Avelox comes in the form an oral tablet or an injection suspension. Both work in the same way, but their strengths and modes of consumption are different. The most common strength of the two forms is the moxifloxacin 400 mg tablet. This strength is also the standard dose for most diseases treated using moxifloxacin.
Adults undergoing treatment with this medication are usually advised to take one Avelox 400 mg tablet or inject 400 mg suspension once per day for 5 – 10 days. That’s the dose for acute sinus infections. For chronic bronchitis, take Avelox 400 mg tablets or suspension, once daily for five days. For pneumonia, the same dose for 7 -14 days. For bacterial skin infections, take the same dose for 1 – 3 weeks. The doses may vary based on your doctor’s recommendations, but that depends on the severity of your illness, your age and the other medications you are currently taking.
Never take more than 400 mg of Avelox in a day as that constitutes an overdose. Signs of an overdose include tendinitis and tendon rupture. If you start experiencing joint, muscle or bone pains, you should seek medical intervention immediately.
Some common side effects of using Avelox include severe stomach pains, seizures and convulsions, sudden body weakness, sore throat, changes in mood (e.g. agitation), headaches, body rashes, nerve disorder symptoms such as weakness, tingling, and numbness, dizziness and constipation or diarrhea.
You’ll rarely experience severe side effects, but if you do, you should seek medical intervention immediately.
Substances that interact with Avelox and affect its effectiveness include heart medications, NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen and aspirin,) diuretics, mental illness and depression medications.
Generic Cleocin – Clindamycin
Cleocin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Similar to other antibiotics, it combats bacteria by preventing it from making proteins, thus preventing its growth and spreading.
It’s used in the treatment of such diseases as middle ear infections, pneumonia, strep throat, joint infections, endocarditis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It also helps patients get rid of acne and is used in combination with quinine in the treatment of malaria.
Cleocin can also be referred to by its generic name, clindamycin. It comes in many forms that should be taken differently. You can take it by swallowing the tablets with a lot of water to prevent throat irritation, measure and swallow the suspension, or inject it directly into the muscle tissue if that is what your doctor prescribes. It comes in many strengths, with the clindamycin 300mg being the most common in the market today. The standard dose of Cleocin is clindamycin 150mg - 300mg, which varies depending on factors such as severity of your condition, your age and response to treatment.
Clindamycin starts working very rapidly after ingestion, and the symptoms of your disease may go away after a few days. However, you shouldn’t stop taking the medication as that may lead to a relapse of illness and cause further health complications. Also, overdosing on clindamycin to speed up the healing process doesn’t work, and is likely to leave you suffering from the effects of an overdose. Common signs of an overdose include severe stomach ache, severe diarrhea, and a high fever. Seek medical attention immediately you start showing these symptoms of an overdose after taking Clindamycin.
Some side effects that you may experience include significant reduction in urine volume, difficulty urinating or inability to urinate, diarrhea, sore throat, vaginal itching and discharge, nausea and vomiting, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain and/or bloody stool.
In most cases, the side effects are mild, short-term and start to fade after a few days of using Cleocin. However, sometimes the side effects may become severe, causing potentially life-threatening conditions. If any of the side effects listed above become severe, you should contact a doctor immediately to prevent them from turning fatal.
Clindamycin interacts with neuromuscular blockers, vitamin boosters, and herbal products. Steer clear of these products when using Cleocin.
Generic Xifaxan - Rifaximin
Xifaxan is an antibiotic that is also sold under the generic name Rifaximin. Xifaxan is manufactured using rifamycin, a natural chemical that is effective in fighting bacteria in the body. It works by preventing the production of the proteins the bacteria need to grow and survive.
It is used to treat diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, and hepatic encephalopathy.
Xifaxan comes in the form of tablets, with Xifaxan 550 mg being the most common strength in the market today. When treating traveler’s fever, take 200 mg of Xifaxan thrice daily for three days. For irritable bowel syndrome, one Xifaxan 550 mg tablet taken thrice every day for a week is all you need. If you’re trying to treat hepatic encephalopathy, then you’ll need 550 mg of Xifaxan once every day. Though these are the standard doses, they, as well as the duration of therapy, may be altered by a doctor due to factors such as the severity of your condition, response to treatment and your age.
You shouldn’t use Xifaxan if you are allergic to rifamycin. Common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, breathing difficulties, skin rashes and heightened and irregular bowel activity. In addition, Xifaxan hasn’t been cleared for use by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Common side effects of Rifaximin include constipation, repeated urges to empty the bowel, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fevers and fluid retention.
There are very few cases where buyers have reported experiencing severe side effects unless they were allergic to rifamycin. Should you experience any serious side effects, you can contact your doctor or change your medicine to a more appropriate option.
Missing doses is very risky when using Xifaxan. It could lead to the development of resistance of the bacteria, which could result in a more severe infection, and an inability of Xifaxan to treat your disease. However, since most doses are taken thrice in a day, you can get away with taking two times a day, but don’t do it repeatedly.
In case of an overdose, you should contact your doctor immediately to avoid any severe repercussions. The recommended amount of Xifaxan is up to 600 mg a day, so don’t take more than that. Prolonging treatment duration has also been found to be common with users of this drug. Although there are no known effects of taking this medicine for a little longer than needed, long term dependency on Xifaxan hasn’t been documented yet and should be avoided.
Generic Vibramycin – Doxycycline
Vibramycin, also called doxycycline, is an antibiotic that is used to fight diseases caused by protozoa and bacteria.
It is used to treat acne, dental infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, Lyme disease, syphilis, chlamydia, and cholera. It can also be combined with quinine to facilitate the prevention of malaria.
This medicine is widely used and readily available. It is cheaper than most of its counterparts, making it the best choice for most people. You should take Vibramycin as directed by a doctor, or follow the instructions on the package. It comes in the form of tablets, capsules or an oral suspension.
Doses vary widely based on the disease being treated. When using Vibramycin as malaria prevention (mostly done my travelers), take the tablets 1 - 2 days before departure. Continue with the medication every day of your trip and don’t stop taking medicine until one month after your journey. However, care should be taken not to use Vibramycin continuously for more than 4 months.
Regardless of the form of Vibramycin you choose to buy, always follow up each dose with lots of water. This reduces irritation and prevents ulceration.
The standard dose for adults is Vibramycin 100 mg taken twice on the first day, followed by Vibramycin 100 mg once daily. If you experience the side effects after taking the Vibramycin 100 mg dose, you can take 50 mg every 12 hours instead. For children older than 8 years, the dose is usually dependent on their weight and should be prescribed by a doctor.
Vibramycin is a popular antibiotic because of its wide range of uses and its few side effects. Some of the side effects you may encounter while taking Vibramycin include nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to sunlight and loss of appetite. The effects are mostly mild and last for a short while.
Buying the right antibiotic for you
After determining that you need an antibiotic for your infection, you should always view most, if not all, of the available solutions.
The medicines mentioned above are the most effective antibiotics in the market right now. However, none works for everyone, so read the information about each drug, supplement it with a few user reviews, and you are on your way to buying the best over the counter antibiotics.