• shapesandstuff@feddit.de
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    1 year ago

    I was also shocked to learn the US have over the counter antiobiotics that people pop for random illness and minor cuts/scrapes. Pretty much unthinkable here (EUN)

      • shapesandstuff@feddit.de
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        1 year ago

        Yes, some topical AB are available according to a quick online search

        Some topical antibiotics can be purchased as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
        However, it is always recommended that you consult a medical expert before purchasing and using any medication.
        Topical antibiotics are used to treat skin wounds, scrapes, scratches, and minor burns.
        They are available in ointment, cream, spray, or powder forms and are used to prevent infection in topical skin ailments.
        Some over-the-counter topical antibiotics include: Bacitracin (Neosporin)
        Polymyxin (Polysporin)
        Neomycin (Neosporin Plus Pain Relief)
        Pramoxine
        Benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv)

        • millie@beehaw.org
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          1 year ago

          There’s a huge difference between saying ‘antibiotics are available OTC’ and ‘topical antibiotics are available OTC’. One is misleading clickbait nonsense, the other is true.

      • shapesandstuff@feddit.de
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        1 year ago

        Besides the topicals OTC that i outlined in here, US friends of mine “keep” their remaining prescription ABs for when they are sick again.

        Like he got prescribed some for a COLD and then kept them to pop when he gets the next COLD :'D

        Its nuts. Some OTC, others simply overprescribed.

        Here you get a prescription if you have a severe infection, OR a substantial injury with high risk.

        • bingbong@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          1 year ago

          Wait, I’m assuming you’re from somewhere in Europe, you don’t have topical antibiotics available without prescription?!

          I wouldn’t argue against antibiotics being overprescribed in America, they definitely are. The tendency is for medicine to be prescribed if a patient sees a doctor. Another crappy consequence of an expensive medical system, people won’t be satisfied if they spent hundreds of dollars only to be told to rest and drink lots of fluids.

          US friends of mine “keep” their remaining prescription ABs for when they are sick again

          This is definitely a thing that morons do over here 😂