What over the counter medicine is good for bacterial infections

01/6Try these natural antibiotics

Table of Contents Show

01/6Try these natural antibiotics
05/6Turmeric
06/6Thyme essential oil
From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
Preparing for your appointment
What you can do
Questions your doctor may ask
Associated Procedures
Products & Services
How can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?
Can you get bacterial infection medicine over the counter?
What medicine gets rid of a bacterial infection?
What is best for bacterial infection?

Antibiotics are the most common drugs used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth. The popular drug comes to your rescue when your immune system does not work efficiently to destroy disease-causing bacteria.

Due to lack of information, most people use antibiotics incorrectly. It is an antibacterial drug but is often taken when someone is suffering from viral conditions like cough and cold. Overusing antibiotics not only leads to different kinds of side-effects but it might also make the bacteria resistant to the drug. Not everyone knows that most antibiotics are processed from natural sources. Here are 5 natural antibiotics you can use instead of your over-the-counter drugs.

02/6Garlic

Anti-bacterial properties of garlic make it an effective herb for fighting bacterial infection. Studies suggest that Allicin, the compound found in garlic is effective in killing several harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli. It is absolutely safe to ingest garlic, but overuse can cause internal bleeding. So, do not have more than two cloves of garlic in a day. You can soak them in olive oil and then have it. If you are on a blood-thinning medicine, then consult your doctor before consuming garlic.

03/6Honey

The sweet golden liquid is one of the oldest known antibiotics. It was even used in Egyptian time as a natural antibiotic and skin protectant. Honey can help in treating chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. A 2011 study revealed that honey can inhibit approximately 60 kinds of bacteria. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial properties.

04/6Ginger

Ginger has been widely recognised for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The common kitchen herb contains gingerol, terpenoids, shogaol, zerumbone and zingerone along with flavonoids that have some excellent antimicrobial properties. Numerous studies suggest that ginger can fight numerous strains of bacteria.

05/6Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This yellow spice commonly used in Indian cuisine can protect you from damaged caused by free radicals. It can even reduce the growth of many disease-causing bacteria. Turmeric can reduce fungal growth and suppress the growth of tumour in cells.

06/6Thyme essential oil

Thyme essential oil is used for treating respiratory problems, inflammation, and gastric issues. Other than this, thyme oil also has some antibacterial properties. But you can only use thyme oil externally. Ingesting it like other essential oil is not recommended. Before applying it on the skin, dilute it in a carrier oil. Using it directly on the skin can cause inflammation and irritation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.

Diagnosis

To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may:

Ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may ask about any previous vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections.
Perform a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually examines your vagina for signs of infection, and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing on your abdomen with the other hand to check your pelvic organs for signs that may indicate disease.
Take a sample of vaginal secretions. This may be done to check for an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in your vaginal flora. Your doctor may examine the vaginal secretions under a microscope, looking for "clue cells," vaginal cells covered with bacteria that are a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
Test your vaginal pH. Your doctor may check the acidity of your vagina by placing a pH test strip in your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment

To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:

Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine may be taken as a pill by mouth (orally). Metronidazole is also available as a topical gel that you insert into your vagina. To reduce the risk of stomach upset, abdominal pain or nausea while using this medication, avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least one day after completing treatment — check the instructions on the product.
Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others). This medicine is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina. Clindamycin cream may weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream.
Tinidazole (Tindamax). This medication is taken orally. Tinidazole has the same potential for stomach upset and nausea as oral metronidazole does, so avoid alcohol during treatment and for at least three days after completing treatment.
Secnidazole (Solosec). This is an antibiotic you take orally in one dose. The medication comes as a packet of granules that you sprinkle onto a soft food, such as applesauce, pudding or yogurt. You eat the mixture within 30 minutes, being careful not to crunch or chew the granules.

It's generally not necessary to treat an infected woman's male sexual partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners. Female partners should seek testing and may need treatment. It's especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help decrease the risk of premature delivery or low birth weight.

Take your medicine or use the cream or gel for as long as your doctor prescribes it — even if your symptoms go away. Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of recurrence.

Recurrence

It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy.

A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli. While current research shows there may be some benefit to probiotic therapy, more research is needed on the subject.

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Preparing for your appointment

Try to schedule your appointment on a day when you don't have your period. That way, your primary care doctor or gynecologist can observe and evaluate your vaginal discharge without menstrual discharge getting in the way. Avoid using tampons and vaginal deodorant sprays, and don't douche or have sex for 24 hours before your appointment.

What you can do

To make the best use of your time with your doctor and prevent you from forgetting an important question:

Make a list of any symptoms you're experiencing. Include all of your symptoms, even if you don't think they're related.
Make a list of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take. Include how often you take them and the doses.
Take a notepad or electronic device with you. Take notes of important information during your visit.
Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. List your most important questions first, in case time runs out.

For bacterial vaginosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

Can I do anything to prevent bacterial vaginosis?
What signs and symptoms should I look for?
Do I need to take medicine?
Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
Are there any special instructions for taking the medicine?
Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?

Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you don't understand something.

Questions your doctor may ask

Be prepared to answer questions your doctor may have, such as:

What symptoms are you experiencing?
How long have you had your symptoms?
Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
Have you ever been treated for a vaginal infection?
Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat your condition?
Have you recently taken antibiotics for any reason?
Are you sexually active?
Are you pregnant?
Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?

July 21, 2021

Bacterial vaginosis — CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/STDFact-Bacterial-Vaginosis.htm. Accessed April 22, 2019.
AskMayoExpert. Vulvovaginitis. Mayo Clinic; 2020.
Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Jan. 13, 2016.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 72. Vaginitis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;107:1195. Reaffirmed 2017.
Frequently asked questions. Gynecologic problems FAQ028. Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vaginitis. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/default.htm. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Sobel JD. Bacterial vaginosis: Treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 24, 2021.
Bacterial vaginosis. Womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Flagyl (prescribing information). Pfizer; 2018. http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=570. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Cleocin (prescribing information). Pfizer; 2018. http://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=627. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Tindamax (prescribing information). Mission Pharma; 2018. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a0d01539-8413-4703-94cc-d221918630a1. Accessed April 22, 2019.
Solosec (prescribing information). Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2021. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=551e43d5-f700-4d6e-8029-026f8a8932ff. Accessed May 24, 2021.

Associated Procedures

Products & Services

How can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?

Seven best natural antibiotics.

Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. ... .

Honey. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection. ... .

Ginger. ... .

Echinacea. ... .

Goldenseal. ... .

Clove. ... .

Oregano..

Can you get bacterial infection medicine over the counter?

Oral, intravenous, and intramuscular antibiotics are not available over the counter. Oral antibiotics are taken by mouth and are used to treat bacterial infections.

What medicine gets rid of a bacterial infection?

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They kill bacteria or prevent them from reproducing and spreading.

What is best for bacterial infection?

Antibiotics are the usual treatment. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will learn to resist them causing antibiotic resistance.