Amoxicillin

Genric Name: amoxicillin
Drug class: Aminopenicillins

Brand names

In the U.S.

Amoxicot
Amoxil
DisperMox
Moxatag
Moxilin
Trimox

In Canada

Amoxil Pediatric
Apo-Amoxi
Apo-Amoxi Sugar-Free
Gen-Amoxicillin
Med Amoxicillin
Novamoxin
Novamoxin Reduced Sugar
Nu-Amoxi
Riva-Amoxicillin
Scheinpharm Amoxicillin
Zimamox

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet
Powder for Suspension
Tablet, Chewable
Tablet, Extended Release
Capsule

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Pharmacologic Class: Penicillin, Aminopenicillin

Amoxicillin uses

Amoxicillin treats bacterial infected that affect numerous organs. It can also be used in conjunction alongside other medications (e.g. clarithromycin, clarithromycin, Lansoprazole) for treating H. Pylori infections and duodenal ulcers.

Amoxicillin is part of the category of medications called penicillin antibiotics. It kills bacteria and hindering their growth. But, it doesn’t help with colds, flu or any other viruses.

Amoxicillin is only available on the prescription of your physician.

Before using amoxicillin, consult your doctor.

In making a decision to take any medicine, the dangers of using the medication should be evaluated against the benefits it can bring. It’s a decision that both you and your physician will take. When you are prescribed amoxicillin, the following must be taken into account:

Allergies

Discuss with your physician whether you’ve had an unusual or unrelated reaction to amoxicillin, or any other medication. Be sure to inform your health doctor if you are suffering from other allergies, like to dyes, foods or preservatives. You may also be allergic to animals. For products that are not prescription-only, you must look over the label or ingredient list carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate up to now haven’t revealed issues that are specific to children, which could hinder the efficacy of amoxicillin in children. But, babies and children 3 months and under have less developed kidney functions and could require a lower dose of amoxicillin.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate so far have not revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that restrict the use of amoxicillin for the older. However, older patients have a higher likelihood to suffer from kidney diseases that result from age. This could require caution and an adjustment to the dosage for those taking amoxicillin.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough research studies on women to determine the risks to babies when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risks that could be associated with using this medication during nursing.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be taken together however, there are instances where two different medications can be combined even though interactions could occur. In these instances your doctor might want to adjust the dosage or any other precautions could be required. If you’re taking amoxicillin it is particularly important to let your physician know they prescribe any one of these drugs that are listed below. The following interactions were determined based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

Amoxicillin in combination together with the following medications is not usually recommended but it is possible to do so in certain situations. If two medicines are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or frequency you take one or both medications.

Chlortetracycline
Cholera Vaccine, Live
Demeclocycline
Desogestrel
Dienogest
Doxycycline
Drospirenone
Eravacycline
Estradiol
Ethinyl Estradiol
Ethynodiol
Gestodene
Levonorgestrel
Lymecycline
Meclocycline
Mestranol
Methacycline
Methotrexate
Minocycline
Mycophenolate Mofetil
Nomegestrol
Norethindrone
Norgestimate
Norgestrel
Omadacycline
Oxytetracycline
Rolitetracycline
Sarecycline
Sulfasalazine
Tetracycline
Tigecycline
Venlafaxine
Warfarin

Utilizing amoxicillin along with any of the following medications could increase the risk of some side effects, however, taking both medications could be the most effective treatment for you. If you are prescribed both medicines in combination, your physician might alter the dosage or frequency of use either or both medications.

Acenocoumarol
Khat
Probenecid

Interactions with food, tobacco, and alcohol

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or in conjunction with taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction along with certain medications may create interactions. Discuss with your physician the interactions of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical issues can impact the dosage of amoxicillin. It is important to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical conditions including:

Allergies to penicillins or the antibiotics cephalosporin (e.g. cefaclor, the cephalexin, cefadroxil Ceftin(r) as well as Keflex(r)) and
Mononucleosis (viral infection)–Should not be administered for patients suffering from these conditions.

Kidney disease, severe – Use with cautiousness. The effects could be more severe due to the slower elimination of the medication out of the body.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)–The tablets that you chew have Phenylalanine, which may cause the condition to get worse.

Amoxicillin should be used in a safe manner

Do not take amoxicillin unless recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than it, don’t take it more frequently, and don’t take it for any longer period than what your doctor has ordered.

Amoxicillin is a medicine that can be taken either with or without food.

For patients who are using an oral liquid:

Shake the bottle thoroughly prior to every use. Make sure to measure the dosage with a measuring spoon marked with a mark or oral syringe medicine cup. A standard teaspoon may not contain the proper quantity of liquid.
You can combine the liquid oral in baby formula or milk, juice of a fruit or ginger ale, water or a cold drink. Make sure that your child drinks all the mix immediately.

Continue to take amoxicillin for the duration of the treatment even if feel better after the initial few doses. The infection might not be cured in the event that you stop taking the antibiotic too soon.

Dosing

The dosage of amoxicillin can differ in different people. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions or the instructions in the package. This information is only the typical dose of amoxicillin. If your dose differs you should not alter it until your doctor instructs you to change it.

The quantity of medication you consume is contingent on your strength medication. Additionally, the amount of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, as well as the duration of time that you are taking the medicine will depend on the medical condition that you’re treating with the medication.

To be used in oral dosage form (capsules powders, suspension powders tablets, and capsules):
- To treat bacterial infections:
  - Adults, teens, and children who weigh more than 40 kg (kg) or more – 250 up to 500 milligrams (mg) every 8 hours 500- 875 mg in 12 hours.
  - Infants and children over 3 months old and with a weight of less than 40kg–Dose is determined by body weight and should be determined by your physician. The typical dosage is 20-40 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily divided and administered every 8 hours or 25-45 mg per kilogram of weight daily divided and administered every 12 hours.
  - Children 3 months old and under–Dose is determined by the weight of your body and is determined by your physician. The standard dose is 30 mg for every kilogram of weight daily divided, and administered at least every twelve hours.
- To treat the gonorrhea
  - Adults, teens, and children who weigh 40 kilograms (kg) or more – 3 grams (g) in one dose.
  - Children aged 2 years or older who weigh less than 40 kilograms–Dose is dependent on the body’s weight and should be identified by your physician. The standard dosage will be 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of daily body weight together with 25 mg of probenecid. It is given as only one dose.
  - Children under 2 years old – use is not advised.
- To treat H. Pylori infections:
  - Adults–
    - Dual therapy 1 gram (mg) of amoxicillin, and 30 mg of the drug lansoprazole each dose is given three times per every day (every for 8 minutes) over 14 consecutive days.
    - Triple therapy Amoxicillin 1000 mg 500 mg clarithromycin as well as 30 mg of lansoprazole all taken twice per daily (every twelve minutes) over 14 consecutive days.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you do not take an amoxicillin dose be sure to get it taken as soon as you are able. But, if it’s close to the time for your next dose, avoid any missed doses and return to the regular schedule. Don’t double doses.

Storage

Keep away from the reach of children.

Don’t keep old medicine or medications that are no longer needed.

Discuss with your doctor what you can do with any medication that you do not take.

Place the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and bright light. Avoid getting frozen.

It is possible to keep your oral liquid in the refrigerator. Get rid of any medicine you do not use within 14 days. Don’t keep it in the freezer.

Amoxicillin is a drug that can cause serious harm.

If your your child’s symptoms fail to improve after a few days or if they get worse, talk to your physician.

Amoxicillin could trigger a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis could be life-threatening and requires medical attention immediately. Contact your physician immediately when you notice an itchy skin rash, a skin rash, and breathlessness; difficulty breathing; problems with swallowing or swelling in your face, hands, throat, or mouth after you or your child has received amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin can cause diarrhea and in some instances, it can be extremely severe. It could happen for two months or more following the time you stop taking amoxicillin. Avoid taking any medicine or give medication to your child for the treatment of diarrhea until you have checked with your physician. Diarrhea medicine can make diarrhea worse or cause it to take longer to last. If you have any concerns about this or if you notice that mild diarrhea continues or becomes more severe consult your physician.

If you are scheduled to undergo any medical test, inform the doctor of your kid or yourself that they is taking amoxicillin. Certain tests’ results might be affected by amoxicillin.

For some young patients’ teeth, the discoloration can occur when taking amoxicillin. The teeth could appear to be stained with brown gray, yellow, or stained teeth. To prevent this from happening you should brush or floss often or ask a dentist to cleanse your teeth.

Birth control pills might not work if you are taking amoxicillin. To avoid becoming pregnant, try another type of birth control in conjunction with the contraceptives for birth. Other options include condoms or diaphragm. You can also use jelly or a contraceptive.

Do not take any other medications without discussing them with your physician. This includes prescription and prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicine, herbal and vitamin supplements.

Amoxicillin adverse reactions

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may result in unwanted negative effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to be present, if they do occur, they might require medical attention.

Consult your physician immediately If any of these adverse effects happen:

Incidence unknown

Stomach cramps, abdominal or abdominal tenderness
leg, back stomach, or back discomforts
Black, tarry stool
bleeding gums
the skin peels, blisters, or peeling or
Bloating
Blood in the urine
Bloody nose
chest pain
chills
Stools made of clay
cough
Dark urine that is dark
diarrhea
diarrhea, which is watery and severe that can also be bloody
difficulties breathing
difficulties swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
the sensation of discomfort
febrile
general body swelling
headache
heavier menstrual periods
Hives or welts
an increase in thirst
Joint inflammation
Itching
muscle or joint discomfort
Loss of appetite
The muscles are aching
nausea or vomiting
nosebleeds
Pain
Lower back pain
burning or pain while urinating
Urination that is painful or difficult to urinate
pale skin
Red spots that are specific on the skin
The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, around the lips, eyes, face, or tongue
Rash
Eyes that are red and irritated
skin redness, itching, or itching on the skin
breathlessness
sore throat
ulcers, sores, or white spots on either the mouth and on lips
blisters, sores, or blisters
abrupt diminution in the amount of urine
swollen, lymph glands
tenderness
Tightness in the chest
Unpleasant breath smell
unusual bleeding or unusual bleeding or
unusual weakness or fatigue
unusual weight loss
Bloody vomiting
Bloody or watery diarrhea
wheezing

Certain side effects can be experienced which usually don’t require medical treatment. These symptoms may disappear when your body adjusts. Additionally, your doctor might be able to inform you of ways to avoid or lessen certain adverse side effects. Consult your doctor in the event that any of these adverse effects persist or are uncomfortable or if you have questions regarding these:

Less well-known

A bad, unique, or unpleasing (after) taste
Change in the taste