Antibiotics - Overview
An antibiotic is a type of compound used in medications to treat infections caused by bacteria when the bacteria is thought to be susceptible to the antibiotic utilized. Through Push Health, people who might need an antibiotic prescription can connect with a medical provider who can prescribe antibiotic medication, including prophylactic antibiotics, beta lactam antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, and sulfa antibiotics, when appropriate to do so.
What Are Antibiotics Used For?
How do antibiotics work? Antibiotic prescription medications can work in different ways and come in different classes. The first antibiotic drug was used in 1910. Some antibiotic medications kill bacteria outright while other types of antibiotic medications work by stopping bacteria from replicating or growing. Antibiotic prescription drugs work best when the sensitivity of the underlying bacteria is known although this can be difficult to determine at times. Also, some bacteria are resistant to different types of antibiotics, rendering them useless for treatment. Antibiotics should only be used to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against infections caused by viruses and do not work against fungi like fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral) and nystatin do.
Antibiotic Medications
Antibiotic prescription medications can be taken orally, intravenously and topically. Prescription antibiotic medications are frequently used to treat different kinds of infections. Antibiotic medications range in cost with older, generic antibiotic medications being cheaper and newer antibiotic drugs being more expensive. In many cases, antibiotic medication prescription discount cards can also help reduce costs associated with antibiotic medications when buying antibiotic tablets at a pharmacy. Examples of prescription antibiotic medications:
- Altabax
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Augmentin
- Azithromycin (Z-Pak, Zithromax)
- Bactrim
- Ceclor
- Cefdinir
- Cefixime
- Cefpodoxime (Vantin)
- Cefuroxime
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Ciprodex
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
- Dicloxacillin
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin (Erygel)
- Fosfomycin (Monurol)
- Gentamicin
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Methenamine
- Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel)
- Minocycline (Amzeeq, Minocin)
- Moxifloxacin (Avelox, Vigamox)
- Mupirocin (Bactroban)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
- Penicillin
- Polymyxin B
- Prevpac
- Rifaximin
- Tobramycin (Tobrex)
- Xenleta
Antibiotics - Uses
Antibiotic prescription medications are used in treating many types of conditions in medicine. Antibiotics can be used to treat conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), acne, bronchitis, cellulitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, strep throat, and other conditions.
Antibiotic Prescriptions Online
One cannot simply buy antibiotics online as antibiotic medications require a prescription from a medical provider before a pharmacy can dispense them in the United States. At this time, antibiotics OTC (over the counter) are not available, either. Push Health can connect people who might need an antibiotic prescription with a medical provider who can prescribe antibiotic medications when appropriate to do so.
Antibiotics - Side Effects
Antibiotic prescription medications can all cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache. All antibiotic medications can cause a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction when used and should be avoided if there is a concern or a history of an allergic reaction. The consequence of antibiotic resistance is always a concern which is why antibiotic prescriptions should be written thoughtfully. Anyone planning to take an antibiotic medication should direct any questions and concerns to one's medical provider and pharmacist prior to use.
How to Get an Antibiotic Prescription with Push Health
- Complete a brief health intake. Answer a short questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any known antibiotic allergies or prior antibiotic use.
- Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether a bacterial infection is likely and whether an antibiotic prescription is appropriate. Same-day consultations are available.
- Receive your prescription electronically. If an antibiotic is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
- Pick up your antibiotic. Most common antibiotics are available at retail and delivery pharmacies for under $30 for a standard course. No health insurance or subscription is required.
Medical providers are available now.
Last updated July 24, 2026. Given the evolving nature of medicine and science, this information might not be accurate and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis / treatment recommendations. Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions. Please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.