Common Antibiotics & Coupons

FAQs about antibiotics

Do you need a prescription for antibiotics?

You need a prescription from a healthcare provider for most antibiotics in the U.S., especially for oral antibiotics. If you don’t want to make a trip to their office, you may be able to make a telehealth appointment, as many telehealth providers are able to prescribe antibiotics virtually when deemed necessary. Just be aware that they’ll ask you several questions to determine whether you have a bacterial or viral infection. If they believe you have a viral infection, they won’t prescribe antibiotics. Some topical antibiotics are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. 

What OTC antibiotics can you get without a prescription?

There are a variety of topical OTC antibiotics you can get without a prescription, including Bacitracin, Neomycin, and brand-name Neosporin, or generic triple antibiotic ointment. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can help recommend an OTC topical antibiotic.

How much do UTI antibiotics cost?

If you have insurance that covers the cost of prescription drugs, you’ll pay your plan’s copay or coinsurance for UTI antibiotics. Without insurance, the cost of UTI antibiotics varies by type and whether you’re using brand-name or generic. Generic antibiotics are typically more affordable than brand-name versions. For example, brand-name Macrodantin costs an average of $115 for 14, 100 mg capsules, while generic nitrofurantoin macrocystals cost about $57. You could pay about $15 for this generic medication with a SingleCare coupon, depending on your choice of pharmacy.

What happens if you take antibiotics when you don’t need them?

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can speed up the process of antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. As a result, infections become harder to treat, which is why healthcare providers are very careful not to prescribe them unless they believe you truly need them. You may also experience side effects from the antibiotic, which may include gastrointestinal side effects, rash, headaches, or yeast infections.

How much do antibiotics cost without insurance?

The cost of antibiotics without insurance depends on various factors, such as the type of antibiotic, the dosage prescribed, and the pharmacy. Generally, brand-name antibiotics cost more than generic antibiotics. For example, a brand-name Zithromax Z-Pak costs about $49 for 6 tablets, while generic azithromycin costs about $4 with a SingleCare coupon. 

What happens if you miss a dose of antibiotics?

If you miss a dose of antibiotics, take it as soon as you remember, unless you are more than halfway toward your next dose. For example, if you’re supposed to take your antibiotic every 12 hours, wait until the timing of your next dose if more than six hours have passed since your last dose. This will extend the course of treatment by one dose. If you miss more than one dose, there’s a chance that your antibiotics won’t work as quickly or effectively. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about missed doses of antibiotics.

What is the strongest antibiotic?

No single antibiotic is considered the strongest or most effective. This is because an antibiotic’s effectiveness depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection, how resistant the bacteria are, how serious the infection is, and other various factors. For example, clindamycin is more likely to cause life-threatening colitis than other antibiotics, so it is only prescribed to treat serious infections that can’t be treated by other antibiotics.