The Very, Very Common OTC Antibiotics

Antibiotics are great, men. They'll take on treat bacterial infections, no problem! They'll kill bacteria or stop them from growing. Men, you'll take antibiotics by mouth, injection, topically, or through an IV. Yes, most of them are prescription! No matter what, you have to finish what you're given. It stops antibiotic resistance! But men? They don't work on the flu or common cold. Those are viruses!

Here's a win. Men, antibiotics are so great as a treatment for strep throat. Yes! Antibiotic treatment is very, very common for severe infections. So common! The good news? There are OTC antibiotics. This includes topical antibiotic ointments and antibiotic lozenges! You've got to understand the difference to get the best over-the-counter antibiotics.

Why Many Antibiotics Are Prescription-Only

Men, you need a prescription for many, many antibiotics in the US. You do! You know why too. Your doc knows the best antibiotics for the issues you have. They know what works and what doesn't! They also make sure your medical history isn't going to work against the antibiotics they give you. And men? So many people, so many, would not take antibiotics properly if lots of them were available OTC.

Men, antibiotics don't work on viral infections. They don't! When you use them for that, it'll just make your risk of antibiotic resistance so much higher. So much higher! The wrong antibiotic, or not taking them right, triggers huge, huge side effects. Men, your doc knows that. They make sure you make the right choice! But, hold your horses. There are OTC antibiotics out there!

Polymyxin B

Men, it's true. Polymyxin B can be an OTC antibiotic. Yes, it's a prescription injection. That's where it treats huge infections! But men? It's also mixed with bacitracin a lot to make an ointment. The most common brand? It's Polysporin! This combo antibiotic ointment is so, so powerful. Yes, it really is. Men, it works on many, many minor skin wounds. So many! You'll put it on burns, scrapes, and cuts up to 3 times daily. Yes, every day! Your wounds are going to heal so fast with this ointment. So fast!

Clean and dry your wound first. Use a thin layer of this ointment, men. Putting a bandage on top helps so much too. It'll help within 7 days. If it goes longer? Call your doc!

Bacitracin

You know about this one already, men! Bacitracin is in Polysporin, just like polymyxin B. But guess what? It is used in other ointments too. Yes, even on its own! Men, bacitracin is still great, so great, on cuts, burns, and scrapes. The ointments with it are going to stop infections from appearing. Win. But men? Don't use it for puncture wounds or severe burns. It's not good for animal bites either! And when you're allergic to petroleum jelly or mineral oil? Use something else!

Men, use this ointment 1 to 3 times for the best results. Of course, use it where needed only. Not over large areas! And men? Keep your guard up for allergic reactions. They're rare, but they happen! You'll see hives, breathing issues, and swelling. You already know where the swelling is going to be. Men, watch your tongue, lips, and face! You need emergency attention for these signs.

Neomycin

Neomycin is a huge, huge one. It's in OTC antibiotic ointments too. It'll be in ones with bacitracin and polymyxin B, but also alone! Men, you want neomycin to work on your cuts, scrapes, burns, and sores. It'll stop them from getting infected! There are side effects, of course. Expect itching, redness, burning, and irritation, men. Rashes though? Rare! But report these to your doc right away no matter what.

Men, get ready. Wash your hands before you apply neomycin. After too! A thin layer is all you need, you know that. But if you've got kidney problems? Talk to your doc! There's a risk of kidney issues and hearing loss when you absorb too much of this antibiotic.

Gramicidin

Men, you've had a sore throat before. Everyone has! Guess what? Gramicidin is an OTC antibiotic found in lozenges that make your throat feel so much better. So much better! The lozenges will usually have something in them to number your throat too. They're so sweet too, thanks to the sucrose. But if you've got diabetes? Get one that's sugar-free! You can have up to 8 lozenges in one day, men. Suck on them as often as you need up to that! Of course, men, you can't use them when you're allergic to anesthetics. Guess what? Gramicidin is in OTC ointments too! You'll find it mixed with other antibiotics. That said, keep your guard up. It does interact with other meds! Make sure you talk to your doc first.