Amoxicillin - Prescription is required

Amoxicillin dosage, reviews 

Amoxicillin is a drug that is used for the management of anti-bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is the generic name of the brands Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox and others.

Amoxicillin has been widely known as Amoxycillin as its British approved name, before it was changed its spelling into what is now its international nonproprietary name “Amoxicillin”.

Amoxicillin belongs to the category of penicillin antibiotics and was discovered by a pharmaceutical company named Beecham. After expiry of the trade name, Amoxicillin has been widely sold worldwide in different brand names.    

Amoxicillin is sold in different form and strengths described below:

·        Capsules – in preparation of 250 mg and 500 mg

·        Tablets – in preparation of 500 mg and 875 mg

·        Chewable tablets – in preparation of 125 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg and 400 mg

·        Powder for suspension – in preparation of 50 mg/ml, 125 mg/5ml, 200 mg/5ml, 250 mg/5ml and 400 mg/5ml

·        Tablets for suspension – in preparation of 200 mg and 400 mg

Amoxicillin is widely prescribed because it is easily absorbed by the body than other antibiotics.

Pharmacological Action

Amoxicillin is used in the management of bacterial infections. It works by preventing the multiplication of bacteria that may not be eradicated with the natural fighting agent of the body called “white blood cells”.

Amoxycillin works by fighting off the growth of bacteria that causes infection in certain parts of the body like ear, nose, throat, bronchi, lungs and skin. It also works by interfering bacteria to form cell walls that are necessary in its survival.    

Indication

Amoxicillin is prescribed for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria which belongs the following strains:

·  E. Coli

·  H. Influenza

·  H. Pylori

·  N. Gonorrhoeae

·  S. Pneumoniae

·  Staphylococcus

·  Streptococci

·  P. Mirabilis

Bacterial Infections causes certain diseases such as laryngitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and other infections in the ear (acute otitis media), nose, throat, tonsil (tonsillitis) and skin.

Amoxicillin is also indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

·        Chlamydia infections affecting pregnant women

·        Salmonella

·        Lyme disease

·        Bacterial Endocarditis

Amoxicillin is also used for prevention of infection after surgery or reduction of risk of duodenal ulcer. Amoxicillin is also used for the treatment of Anthrax infection affecting the skin and will likewise be used for the prevention of Anthrax infection after certain exposure. 

There are certain conditions not listed here that can be treated with Amoxicillin. Your Doctor can provide you vast information regarding the indications of Amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin dosage

This is an oral medication that is taken by mouth with a glass of water. It is available in different preparation, in capsule, tablets, suspension and pediatric drops. Its dosage depends on factors like the severity of the infection, the age of the patient and the condition being treated.

To achieve better result of treatment follow the hereunder guide as a standard procedure:

·      Strictly follow your Doctors instruction

·      Do not modify the treatment dosage

·      Complete the prescribed dosage within duration of treatment. Do not stop taking the medication even if you fell better

Amoxicillin may be taken in a full or empty stomach. For children who have been prescribed suspension or pediatric drops, the medication may be taken directly by mouth or maybe mixed with formula milk or juices to hide the smell of the medicine and to make it more appealing to children.

Amoxicillin in chewable form must be chewed properly before it is swallowed. Other preparations such us the capsules or tablets must not be crushed and must be taken in whole.       

Contraindications and Cautions

The medication is contraindicated to patients who are hypersensitive to amoxicillin and other penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen) substance including ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), or oxacillin (Bactocill). Patients who are allergic to cephalosporin drugs (omnicef, cefzil, ceftin, keflex) must inform their Doctor of such fact.

Amoxicillin may affect other conditions. Inform your Doctor of your medical history especially if you have any of the following conditions:

·        Kidney disease

·        Viral infection called infectious mononucleosis

·        Kidney disease

·        Asthma

·        Certain history of Diarrhea caused by antibiotic intake

·        Allergy of any type

·        Blood clotting disorder

The medication has been classified by the FDA as Category B for pregnancy. This means that it is not expected to harm the unborn baby. It is worthwhile to inform your Doctor if you are pregnant for purposes of safety and precaution.

Amoxicillin may be passed to the nursing baby although in small amount through breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergy to the infant. Care and caution must be exercised.

Side Effects

Like other medications, side effects are expected as a natural occurrence to treatment. If taken within the prescribed dosage, the following side effects may occur depending upon the patient’s condition, age and tolerance level:

·        vomiting

·        nausea

·        diarrhea

·        heartburn

·        mild non-allergic rash

·        headache

Antibiotic does not usually cause serious side effects. However there are instances when allergic reactions could develop especially to patients who are allergic to amoxicillin. Symptoms like hives; swelling of face, mouth, tongue and throat; difficulty breathing must be reported outright to your health care provider.  

Other symptoms of serious side effects include persistent diarrhea, sore throat, fever, stomach pain; blood or mucus appearing in stool; yellowish eyes or skin; unexplained bruises and bleeding. Immediately seek medical attention if you experienced any of these symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Other medications may interact with Amoxicillin. Drug interactions will increase the risk of side effects that is associated on the use of 2 incompatible drugs.

The following medications may interact with amoxicillin:

·      Anticoagulant drugs including warfarin, coumadin and praxada

·      Antibiotic drugs

·      Birth control pills

·      Treatment for gout like Allopurinol

·      Treatment for cancer like Methotrexate

·      Uricosuric drugs

·      Vaccine for Typhoid

These are not the complete list of drugs that may interact with Amoxicillin, it is important to inform your Doctor what other medications you are currently taking to avoid the increased risk of complications.

Interesting facts

It is interesting to know that the first antibiotic that was introduced in the field of medicine is penicillin. With research and medical evolution ampicillin was introduced as penicillin-related antibiotics. Now, with the rise of modern types of antibiotics, Amoxicillin has remained to be widely used to treat anti-bacterial infections.     

Amoxicillin Review: 

“I have excellent experience with Amoxicillin that I want to share with the reader in this forum. For all the mothers out there, Amoxicillin is not a new medication because I have been using this when I was a kid. I am a young mother of an adorable child that was diagnosed with bronchitis at 4 years old. I gave it as instructed and used it for 7 days. Within 3 days of treatment I observed that my child’s appetite returned and he now plays actively.”