Antibiotics are some of the most widely used prescription medications, and at one point they were completely free to the consumer. However, in recent years there has been a backlash against the overuse of antibiotics, and they have become considerably more expensive than they once were. One way to keep your healthcare costs down while still protecting yourself from bacterial infections is to buy antibiotics in bulk and keep them in your home; here’s what you need to know about eight common antibiotics that you can buy cheaply and safely online. We placed an order here and found it to be trustworthy.
Antibiotic #1: Amoxicillin
Most often prescribed to treat bacterial infections like strep throat or ear infections, amoxicillin is also a great option for treating things like pneumonia. The good news is that you can buy amoxicillin online without a prescription as long as you’re over 18 years old. Look for an online pharmacy that’s accredited by CIPA (the Canadian International Pharmacy Association) or PIPC (the Pharmacy Inspection Co.). Also look out for pharmacies with discount programs—they’ll often have lower prices than pharmacies that don’t have these programs. As with most of these antibiotics, it can be purchased both as generic amoxicillin and branded products such as Amoxil or Moxatag.
Antibiotic #2: Ciprofloxacin
A bactericidal antibiotic that fights gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Proteus vulgaris and Enterobacter aerogenes (Klebsiella). It’s also effective against some fungi including Candida albicans (yeast infections) and Trichosporon beigelii (jock itch). Ciprofloxacin is taken orally and has a relatively broad spectrum of action. It is recommended for many forms of traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections due to E. coli or Proteus mirabilis , skin infections from MRSA such as boils or infected insect bites.
Antibiotic #3: Metronidazole
This drug is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal infections like Crohn’s disease. It can also be effective against intestinal parasites. Metronidazole is usually taken twice a day for two weeks as an antibiotic and one time a day (or once every other day) as a treatment for parasitic infections. It’s very inexpensive (under $10) and can be purchased online from generic pharmacies if you don’t have access to a local pharmacy that stocks it. Just make sure that you’re purchasing from an FDA-approved pharmacy before you order any medications online. Generic antibiotics are fine—brand name antibiotics may not be.
Antibiotic #4: Clindamycin
A potent antibiotic used to treat acne; considered particularly helpful for those with inflammatory forms of acne that don’t respond well to other antibiotics. The benefit here is that you only need a 5-day course of clindamycin if it’s going to work for you—and it often does. If not, your doctor will likely want you to take a longer course of another type of antibiotic. Also worth noting: Clindamycin has been associated with a rare but very serious intestinal infection called Clostridium difficile or C.
Antibiotic #5: Azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works against a broad spectrum of bacteria. This drug is prescribed most often to treat bacterial respiratory infections. Examples include: tonsillitis, laryngitis and bronchitis. Azithromycin may also be given with another antibiotic if penicillin allergies are present or if pneumonia has been diagnosed. Azithromycin can cause mild side effects like nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea when taken alone; however taking it with food may help alleviate these side effects.
Antibiotic #6: Doxycycline
Also an antibiotic, Doxycycline can be used to treat a number of diseases. This includes: Chlamydia, infectious disease caused by salmonella and tuberculosis. Since it’s not as popular as other antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Keflex, Doxycycline is often cheaper at online pharmacies. The biggest drawback is that you need a prescription before buying Doxycycline online; however some doctors will give you one over email if you ask them nicely! Remember: always buy antibiotics from reputable online pharmacies only!
Antibiotic #7: Cephalexin
Cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic that fights bacteria by attacking their cell walls. It’s typically prescribed to treat infections of the skin, sinuses or ears. Cephalexin is often paired with another drug as part of combination therapy against certain bacteria. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, severe diarrhea can occur; if it does, you should stop taking cephalexin immediately and contact your doctor.
Antibiotic #8: Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Also sold as Augmentin, amoxicillin/clavulanate is a popular antibiotic with one of lowest side effects and highest safety ratings. While best known as an antibiotic to fight respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria, it can also be used to treat skin infections like impetigo. Amoxicillin/clavulanate is effective against a wide range of bacteria types including streptococcus, salmonella and listeria. Just remember that it’s not meant for fungal or viral infections. It can be purchased over-the-counter from most pharmacies without a prescription but at a much higher cost than you’ll find online.
