Amoxicillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of bacterial infections such as Tonsillitis, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, and infections of the skin, ear, nose, throat, and urinary tract. It is typically used in combination with other medications and antibiotics such as clarithromycin to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This combination is sometimes also combined with lansoprazole, a stomach acid reducer, to treat stomach ulcers.
Amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-lactams. This type of antibiotic works by binding to proteins and inhibiting specific bacterial cell processes. This causes the cell walls to degrade and the bacteria to die, a process known as bactericidal killing. The antibiotic begins to work within about one or two hours of being taken by a patient and reaches its highest blood concentration in about the same amount of time. Symptoms may however take longer to improve after taking amoxicillin. According to experts, people should see improvement in their symptoms in less than 72 hours or about 3 days, but they could see improvement as soon as 24 hours.
It’s critical to understand that Amoxicillin is only used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Viral infections causing illnesses such as flu, cough, sore throat, fever and so on will not be treated by amoxicillin, and administration of such antibiotics is associated with an increased risk of drug-resistant infections.
If patients do not notice an improvement within three days, they should consult with their doctor about other alternative treatments.
Drug Administration Procedure
The procedure for taking amoxicillin vary based on the condition being medicated. Seeing as amoxicillin is a type of generic, it is commonly available under a variety of brand names. It is usually available as an oral antibiotic, which means that it must be taken orally.
Amoxicillin is also available in capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension. This medication can be taken with or without supliments. In some cases, Amoxicillin can be injected directly into the bloodstream, but this is only done in a hospital.
List Of Approved Medical Conditions for Which Amoxicillin Is Used
- Infections of the genitourinary tract
- Infections of the skin and skin structures
- Infections of the lower respiratory tract
- Infections of the ears
- Infections of the nose
- Infections of the throat
- Bronchitis
- Bacterial rhinosinusitis
- Bacterial pharyngitis
- Pneumonia
- Tonsillitis
Although it is approved, some medical providers prescribe it for off-label uses such as the treatment of Erysipeloid and the prevention of infectious Endocarditis. Amoxicillin may also be prescribed to patients who have had knee replacements, hip replacements, or other prosthetic joints. It can also be used to treat periodontitis when combined with metronidazole to prevent infection during dental procedures. Amoxicillin is also thought to be effective in the treatment of Lyme disease.
Side Effects
Although not exhaustive, a list of potential side effects of taking Amoxicillin has been provided. If you experience any side effects that do not go away or impede your everyday activities, please contact your health care provider immediately.
Amoxicillin’s Most Common Side Effects Are as Follows:
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Headache
Amoxicillin can cause serious side effects such as hypersensitivity reactions and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in rare cases. If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention right away.
Amoxicillin’s Serious Side Effects Are as Follows:
- Stools that are watery/bloody, with/without fever and stomach cramps
- Face, eye, lip, tongue, and throat swelling
- Swallowing and breathing difficulties
- Peeling skin or blisters
- Diarrhea that is severe
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Itching
- Rash
Before Taking Amoxicillin
Most adults and children can take amoxicillin, but they should not use it if they are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic. It is also not suitable for everyone; therefore, consult a doctor to ensure that amoxicillin is safe for consumption.
Inform the doctor ahead of time:
- If you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin antibiotics, or any of the ingredients in amoxicillin tablets, capsules, or suspension, do not take it. Obtain a list of ingredients from your pharmacist.
- Concerning any other prescription medications, nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal products, or nonprescription medications you are taking or plan to take, particularly allopurinol, methotrexate, other antibiotics, blood thinners, birth control pills, and probenecid.
- If you have a virus known as mono (mononucleosis).
- If you have kidney disease or a history of allergic reactions such as rashes or hives.
- In the event that you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to become pregnant.
- If you suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU). Aspartame, an artificial sweetener that forms phenylalanine, is found in some amoxicillin chewable tablets.
- If you have recently received or are about to receive vaccinations
Dosage
Amoxicillin capsules are usually taken three times a day at a dose of 250mg to 500mg. Children may require a lower dose. Nevertheless, the amount of dosage required depends on the patient’s condition, so getting dosage prescribed by doctors is advised. Amoxicillin liquid comes in two doses: 125mg and 250mg. This medication should be taken until the patient has finished the course and begins to feel better. If the treatment is discontinued too soon, the infection may reoccur.
Interactions Between Drugs
Before taking amoxicillin, make your doctor aware of any vitamins, supplements, or medications you are taking. This will allow them to advise you on which drug combinations are appropriate and which are not, when taking amoxicillin. For example:
Probenecid
Probenecid reduces amoxicillin renal tubular secretion but does not delay clavulanic acid renal excretion. Concurrent use with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium may result in increased and prolonged amoxicillin blood concentrations. Probenecid should not be taken with other medications.
Anticoagulants Taken Orally
In patients receiving amoxicillin and oral anticoagulants, abnormal prolongation of prothrombin time (increased International Normalized Ratio) has been reported. When anticoagulants are prescribed alongside amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, appropriate monitoring should be performed. To maintain the desired level of anticoagulation, oral anticoagulant dose adjustments may be required.
Allopurinol
Concurrent administration of allopurinol and amoxicillin raises the risk of rashes in patients receiving both drugs compared to patients receiving amoxicillin alone. It is unknown whether the allopurinol or the hyperuricemia in these patients is responsible for the potentiation of amoxicillin rashes.
Oral Contraceptives
Amoxicillin may alter intestinal flora, resulting in decreased estrogen reabsorption and decreased efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.
Methotrexate
Penicillin may reduce methotrexate excretion, potentially increasing toxicity.
IMPORTANT: Take all of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Conclusion
You should feel better in a few days after taking amoxicillin. Inform your doctor if you do not feel better after three days of taking amoxicillin. Also, notify them if you begin to feel worse at any time. If you require any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals.