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Highly Recommend
Great service, easy to use. Connects you fast and got the help I needed quickly and cheaply.
Anonymous
AMAZING!!
It was a great overall experience! It literally took me less than 5 minutes to speak with a doctor!
Emma D.
First time user
Doctor was very attentive and listened to what I told her. I hope they will start delivering medications soon...
Anonymous
Definitely using...
I appreciate the doctor and the excellent care she provided me. I would recommend her and this service without hesitation.
Anonymous
Very useful
Allowing me to consult with healthcare professionals without leaving the comfort of my home.
Sara M.
Got my prescript...
It was a very positive experience. Wait time was less than 5 minutes and got my prescription in 15 minutes!
Harry C.
Not bad at all
My doctor was firendly and listened to me. I probably saved couple of hours and never had to leave my home.
Ava E.
Best healthcare a...
My new favourite healthcare app on the go. One of the easiest and most convenient services out there.
Anonymous
Convenient
My call with the doctor took less than 15 minutes. It saved me an urgent care visit and quite a lot of money.
Matt T.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a class of medications that kill bacteria in the body. Most are taken orally, though some are given intravenously, usually after surgery or in life-threatening situations, such as sepsis.
Medics used the first antibiotic, salvarsan, in 1910, though it was only partially effective. Later, Bayer bacteriologist Gerhard Domagk discovered sulfonamide antibiotics that were more effective against a broad spectrum of microbes in the clinic. They are still in use today.
However, it was only with Alexander Fleming’s 1928 discovery of penicillin that antibiotic usage became mainstream in clinical practice. He and colleagues at Oxford, UK, discovered that the molecule had a molecular structure that could disrupt bacterial cell function.
The golden age of antibiotic discovery came in the middle of the twentieth century, from around 1940 to 1960. Once scientists understood the principle that natural and synthetic compounds could kill bacteria, the race was on to find more.
Early on, the discovery of new antibiotic classes was easy. Researchers and clinicians introduced tetracyclines (1948), macrolides, such as erythromycin (1952), and pyridinamides, such as isoniazid (1952), to clinical practice. However, the discovery of new antibiotics slowed significantly thereafter.
Today, the concern is that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness. Bacteria are evolving to counter the mechanisms that antibiotics use to kill them, leading to the rise of multi-drug-resistant infections.
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Antibiotics work in different ways. Penicillin, for instance, inhibits the production of bacterial cell wall proteins, making them fragile and leaky. When walls burst open, it makes it easier for the immune system to invade and destroy the remaining cell material.
Sulfonamides work differently. They prevent folate synthesis in bacteria, an essential biological process, by inhibiting the enzyme, dihydropteroate synthetase.
Another class of antibiotics, nitrofurans (often used as an antibiotic of last resort) cause DNA damage, making it harder for bacteria to replicate. Similarly, antibiotics prescribed for urinary tract infections, such as ciprofloxacin, inhibit various enzymes required for DNA synthesis.
Tetracyclines, often prescribed for tooth infections and acne, inhibit protein synthesis. Antibiotic compounds enter bacteria cells and then prevent them from producing the compounds they need to build cell structures and replicate.
What are antibiotics Prescribed For?
Physicians prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections. They do not prescribe them for viral infections because viruses use a different chemistry to spread and replicate. Because of this, they have no effect on the common cold, flu, sore throats, or coughs.
Over-prescription of antibiotics increases the risk of microbial resistance, putting future patients at risk. Therefore, physicians usually only prescribe them for serious bacterial infections that the body cannot eliminate by itself. However, some doctors still use them for cosmetic issues, such as acne.
Examples of necessary antibiotic online prescriptions include:
- Sepsis
- Urinary tract infections
- Post-surgery wound infection prevention
- Tuberculosis
- Periodontitis
- Pneumonia
- Strep throat infections
- Whooping cough
- Middle ear infections
- Some sinus infections
Antibiotics either kill bacteria that cause these conditions directly or prevent them from replicating, allowing the immune system to work more effectively.
What Are Common Side Effects of Antibiotics?
While antibiotics kill dangerous bacteria, they can have some off-target effects. Most oral antibiotics, for instance, kill healthy gut bacteria. Because of this, many patients experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Antibiotics can also preferentially kill some gut bacteria while allowing others to survive. Overgrowth of certain species can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion.
Antibiotics can also produce allergic reactions in some patients. Symptoms can range from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis (an inability to breathe).
Antibiotics have these effects because they contain compounds that confuse the immune system, causing it to believe that the body is under serious threat. The types of antibiotics most likely to cause allergic reactions are amoxicillin, penicillin, tetracyclines, and ampicillin.
Around one in fifteen people has an allergic reaction to antibiotics. Therefore, doctors may perform allergy tests before prescribing them.
What are the most common antibiotics prescribed?
The most commonly prescribed antibiotics combat the diseases that people get most often, such as urinary tract infections and periodontitis. According to the CDC, amoxicillin sits at the top of the list, with 171 prescriptions per 1,000 people per year, followed closely by azithromycin at 144 prescriptions per 1,000 people per year, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid at 79 prescriptions per 1,000 people per year.
Physicians typically use these antibiotics as a first line of defense to see if they work against common infections. If they are ineffective, they will then move on to lesser-used second or third-line drugs. Amoxicillin is the most prescribed because patients tolerate it well and side effects tend to be minor. Less-used antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin, are more effective (because there is less microbial resistance to them), but side effects can be more severe.
The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
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Can I Get a New Prescription or Refill an Existing One Through DrHouse?
Yes, you can get a new prescription or refill an existing one online through DrHouse. You just need to start a consultation with one of our licensed providers and they will be able to assess your needs and provide you with a prescription if necessary.
Please note that the final decision always rests with the doctor based on their professional judgment and your health needs.
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What Medications Can't be Prescribed Online By DrHouse?
There are certain medications that cannot be prescribed online by DrHouse physicians due to safety reasons. These include controlled substances, such as opioids and other narcotics, as well as drugs with a high potential for abuse or dependence. DrHouse physicians also don’t prescribe Gabapentin, medical marijuana, muscle relaxants, and HRT medications.
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How Do I Get an Online Prescription from DrHouse?
With DrHouse getting a new prescription or a refill for your current Rx is a straightforward and quick process. All you need to do is follow a few easy steps:
- Download the DrHouse telehealth app on your mobile device.
- Create an account by providing basic information and medical history.
- Start an on-demand virtual video consultation with one of our licensed physicians.
- Discuss your medical needs and concerns with one of our physicians.
- A doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and current medications (if any) to determine if an online prescription is appropriate for you.
- If a physician approves, they will electronically send a new prescription or refill request to the pharmacy of your choice.
- Pick up your medication from the pharmacy.
DrHouse makes it easy for you to get an online prescription from the comfort of your own home. No more waiting in line at the doctor’s office or pharmacy, and no need to take time off work to see a doctor. Our telehealth platform allows you to access quality medical care from anywhere with an internet connection.
For more information about how our telehealth platform works visit our “How DrHouse Works” page.
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What Will My Appointment for a New Prescription or Refill Look Like?
During your virtual consultation with a DrHouse physician, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical needs and concerns.
The consultation will consist of a video call where a physician will assess your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms and any other relevant information. This is to ensure that a physician has all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your prescription.
You can also ask any questions or clarify any doubts you may have about your condition or medication. Our physicians are happy to address any concerns you may have.
Once a physician has assessed your needs, they will determine if and what type of prescription is appropriate for you. If a new prescription or refill is approved, a doctor will send it electronically to your chosen pharmacy.
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How Long Does It Get To Get a Prescription Online With DrHouse?
With our on-demand telehealth service, you have the opportunity to see the first available doctor in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. However, the exact consult time will depend on the complexity of your case and the thoroughness required by the healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
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Is It Safe to Get an Online Prescription from DrHouse?
Absolutely, it is safe to get an online prescription from DrHouse. We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and privacy.
All our providers are highly qualified US-based physicians and often affiliated with major hospitals. They are board-certified and from the top U.S. medical schools with an average of 20 years of experience.
We strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations, ensuring your personal and medical information is kept secure and confidential. Also, we comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to telehealth and the prescribing of medications.
Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that your safety and privacy are our top priorities when you use DrHouse’s services.
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Does DrHouse Accept Insurance?
Yes, DrHouse accepts most major insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The extent of coverage may vary depending on your individual plan.
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What Is DrHouse’s Prescription Refill Policy?
Our physicians are able to prescribe up to a 90-day prescription without labs for any previously prescribed medication if it’s medically appropriate and is not classified as a controlled substance.
DrHouse physicians also don’t prescribe Gabapentin, medical marijuana, muscle relaxants, and HRT medications.
DrHouse physicians use their medical judgment to determine whether to prescribe and the duration.
In certain cases, the prescription may be limited to 30 days or less. There also may be a 12-month cap for some prescriptions without labs. For medications requiring annual monitoring (such as blood work or imaging), the maximum prescription limit is 90 days within a year without labs.
DrHouse physicians can refer patients to labs for longer prescription periods or refills.