Amoxicillin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin medicinal uses

Amoxicillin is a drug used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This drug belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics.

The drug amoxicillin works by stopping bacteria from multiplying and killing infection-causing bacteria in the body. These antibiotics must be obtained and consumed according to a doctor's prescription. Amoxicillin cannot be purchased over the counter.

There are several diseases for which the antibiotic drug amoxicillin is often prescribed, including:

• Acute bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways due to a bacterial infection that causes mucus in the lungs.
• ENT infection (ear, nose, and throat), such as sinuses, external ear infections (otitis externa), and middle ear infections (otitis media). Amoxicillin can treat and prevent bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and bacteria Haemophilus influenzae which is the cause of ear and nose infections.
• Skin infection.Amoxicillin is also often prescribed to relieve symptoms of eczema. Bacterial infection causes eczema-prone skin to become itchy and red. Amoxicillin drugs that are prescribed are usually in the form of oral pills and ointments.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra, bladder and kidneys. Generally, doctors will not immediately prescribe the antibiotic amoxicillin for UTIs. Amoxicillin administration will depend on the severity of symptoms and the type of bacteria causing it.

In certain cases, amoxicillin can be combined with other drugs to treat stomach ulcers caused by bacteria H. pylori. Amoxicillin is sometimes also prescribed to treat heart problems, maintain heart valve function after heart surgery, before dental medical procedures (such as tooth extraction), prevent heart infections, prevent chlamydia during pregnancy, and prevent bacterial infection in newborns.

This antibiotic is only for treating bacterial infections. The drug amoxicillin will not work if you have a viral infection, such as the flu. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics will decrease the efficacy of this drug.

What are the rules for using amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a drug that can be taken before or after meals. This medicine is usually taken twice a day every 8-12 hours. You may also be advised to take amoxicillin three times a day every 8 hours, depending on your doctor's directions.

The dosage will depend on your condition and how your body reacts to the treatment. Make sure you drink plenty of it while on treatment with amoxicillin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Drink amoxicillin with a glass of water. The liquid suspension form of the drug amoxicillin can be mixed with other liquids such as formula milk, fruit juice, milk, or mineral water.

Make sure you shake the bottle of liquid medicine and drops first before using it to mix the medicinal ingredients in it. Meanwhile, for chewable tablets make sure you chew them until smooth before swallowing.

It is important to follow the exact dosage and how to use amoxicillin as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Antibiotics work best when the levels are stable in the body. This means that you should drink this at the same time and interval. Set reminders to make it easier for you so you don't miss a schedule to take your medication.

Take this drug according to the dose and timeframe that the doctor has determined even if your symptoms have disappeared and the condition has improved. Stopping or tapering off your medication can put you at risk of resistance to antibiotics and can potentially cause the infection to come back.

How to store this drug?

Amoxicillin is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't store it in the bathroom or freeze it.

Amoxicillan is a generic drug which may be available in another brand from a different manufacturer. Each brand may have different retention rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of amoxicillin for adults?

• Actinomycosis: 500 mg orally 3 times a day or 875 mg orally twice a day for six months.
• Anthrax prophylaxis: 500 mg orally every 8 hours.
• Cutaneous bacillus anthracis: 500 mg orally three times a day.
• Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis: 2 g orally given one hour before the procedure.
• Chlamydia: 500 mg orally 3 times daily for 7 days in pregnant patients as an alternative to erythromycin in macrolide sensitive individuals.
• Cystitis: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 3-7 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Urinary tract infections: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 3-7 days. Alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily can be given.
• Infection Helicobacter pylori: 1 g orally 2-3 times a day for 14 days.
• Arthritis complicated by Lyme disease: 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 14-30 days.
• Carditis complicated by Lyme disease: 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 14-30 days.
• Erythema chronicum migrans due to complications of Lyme disease: 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 14-30 days.
• Neurological problems complicated by Lyme disease: 500 mg orally 3 times a day for 14-30 days.
• Otitis media: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 10-14 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Pneumonia: 500 mg orally 3 times a day or 875 mg orally twice a day, may be given for 7-10 days if pneumococcal pneumonia is suspected.
• Sinusitis: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 10-14 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Skin infections or soft tissue infections: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (ARI): 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Bronchitis: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
• Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and laryngitis (pharyngitis)
  • Immediate-release: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
  • Extended-release: 775 mg orally once a day within 1 hour after meals for 10 days; for infection Streptococcus pyogenes secondary.
• Common bacterial infections: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-21 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.

What is the dose of amoxicillin for children?

• Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis: 50 mg / kg orally as a single dose 1 hour before the procedure.
• Anthrax prophylaxis: 80 mg / kg / day divided in equal doses given orally every 8 hours. Maximum dose: 500 mg / dose.
• Cutaneous Bacillus Anthracis: Treatment for cases of skin Bacillus anthracis infection: 80 mg / kg / day divided in equal doses given orally every 8 hours. Maximum dose: 500 mg / dose.
• Otitis Media:
  • Age 4 weeks-3 months: 20-30 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours.
  • Age 4 months-12 years: 20-50 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8-12 hours.
  • Acute otitis media due to highly resistant Streptococcus pneumonia may require a dose of 80-90 mg / kg / day orally divided into 2 equal doses within 12 hours.
• Skin infection or soft tissue infection:
  • Age 4 weeks-3 months: 20-30 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours.
  • Age 4 months-12 years: 20-50 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infection
  • Age 4 weeks-3 months: 20-30 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours.
  • Age 4 months-12 years: 20-50 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8-12 hours.
• Pneumonia: 40-50 mg / kg / day orally in divided doses every 8 hours.
• Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and laryngitis (pharyngitis)
  • Age 4 weeks-3 months: 20-30 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours.
  • Age 4 months-12 years: 20-50 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8-12 hours.
  • Age 12 years or older
    • Immediate-release: 250-500 mg orally 3 times a day for 7-10 days; alternatively, 500-875 mg orally twice daily may be given.
    • Extended-release: 775 mg orally once a day within 1 hour after meals for 10 days; for secondary S pyogenes infection.

In what dosages and preparations is this drug available?

Capsules, oral: 250 mg, 500 mg.

Amoxicillin is also available as oral tablets, chewable tablets, suspension (liquid), or drops for children.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin can cause a mild allergic reaction, such as fever, sore throat, and itchy red skin (especially on the face or upper body). Mild allergic reactions usually do not require special treatment and are sufficiently supervised so that they do not get worse.

If symptoms are bothersome, doctors will usually give antihistamines and corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone. On the other hand, amoxicillin can also cause severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips and tongue, as well as nausea, sweating profusely, shortness of breath, or a feeling of fainting.

Seek emergency medical help immediately if you or your family experience a severe allergic reaction. Keep in mind, allergy symptoms may appear too late. Drug allergic reactions can occur hours or even days after you finish a dose.

In addition, immediately go to the nearest doctor or hospital if you experience serious side effects such as:

• White patches or sores inside your mouth or lips.
• Fever, confusion or weakness, swollen lymph nodes, rash or itching, joint pain
• Pale or yellowing skin, yellowing eyes.
• Urien is dark and cloudy. Amoxicillin can also cause crystals to form in the urine which results in painful urination. To prevent this, consume plenty of water while you are on the medication.
• Tingling, numbness, pain, severe muscle weakness.
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (from nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum).
• Purple or red spots under your skin.
• Changes in blood, kidney function, or liver function.

Less common and milder side effects of amoxicillin can include:

• Diarrhea. To prevent this, you can take medicine after eating. Avoid foods that can irritate digestion, such as dairy products or foods high in fiber. If you have diarrhea, don't forget to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Probiotic supplements can usually help with antibiotic-induced diarrhea as well.
• Stomach ache, nausea. Therefore, eat first before taking amoxicillin drugs. If you experience severe stomach pain that causes vomiting and bloody stools, consult a doctor immediately.
• Headache and dizziness. Drink lots of water and consume amoxicillin after meals to prevent it. Don't forget to get enough rest during treatment. Taking headache medicine can also relieve the pain. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding stress can also help. Avoid driving after taking the drug amoxicillin.
• Trouble sleeping. Insomnia due to amoxicillin can include difficulty getting to sleep, getting up too quickly, or even flying more frequently at night.
• Vagina itching or vaginal discharge
• Swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using amoxicillin?

Before using amoxicillin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you:

• Allergy to amoxicillin, penicillin, cefalosporin, or other drugs (eg, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, or Keflex®).
• Are currently using prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using, or will be using. Be sure to mention: chloramphenicol (Chlormycetin), another antibiotic, and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects
• Have or have had kidney disease, allergies, asthma, fever, hives, or phenylketonuria
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using amoxicillin, call your doctor

Is amoxicillin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using the drug amoxicillin in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using amoxicillin. The drug amoxicillin is included in the pregnancy risk category B (no risk in some studies) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, the medicinal substance amoxicillin can be absorbed into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Interaction

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as this medicine?

Drug interactions can change how the drugs work and work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Interactions can also increase the risk of poisoning because the body does not work optimally to remove the remaining drug substances.

Amoxicillin can affect the results of certain diagnostic tests, such as a urine glucose test, leading to a false positive result.

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed and combined with drugs such as clarithromycin and lansoprazole. However with these drugs, possible interactions can occur.

• Acenocoumarol
• Acrivastine
• Allopurinol
• Bupropion
• Chloramphenicol
• Chlortetracycline
• Demeclocycline
• Doxycycline
• Khat
• Lymecycline
• Macrolide
• Meclocycline
• Methacycline
• Methotrexate
• Minocycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Probenecid
• Rolitetracycline
• Sulfonamide
• Tetracycline
• Venlafaxine
• Warfarin

Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. So, keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

What foods and drinks should not be consumed when using amoxicillin?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Generally, amoxicillin should not be taken at the same time as:

1. Acidic foods and drinks

Highly acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, orange juice, lemon juice, chocolate, and tomato based products (ketchup) should be avoided when taking antibiotics.

Sour foods and drinks can reduce the body's ability to absorb drugs optimally.

2. Milk-based products, except yogurt

Milk-based food and beverage products can inhibit drug absorption due to their calcium content. Calcium and iron can affect your body's ability to absorb quinolones, a type of antibiotic.

If you have recently taken a calcium supplement, iron supplement, or consumed a high-mineral diet, wait about three hours before taking antibiotics.

However, yogurt which is also made from milk is not one that should be avoided. Yogurt contains good bacteria which can help the immune system more efficiently fight bad bacterial infections.

3. High fiber foods

High-fiber foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as nuts and seeds, can slow down the absorption of amoxicillin.

4. Alcohol

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of amoxicillin with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions should this drug avoid?

The existence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of the drug amoxicillin. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, such as:

• Antibiotic drug allergy. Tell your doctor that you can prescribe another medication to prevent an allergic reaction.
• Mononucleosis (viral infection) - Should not be used in patients with this condition.
• Severe kidney disease. People with kidney disease or other kidney problems are advised not to take amoxicillin. Although kidney damage is very rarely caused by consumption of amoxicillin, it can become a serious problem if it occurs. If you are taking amoxicillin, make sure you drink it according to the dosage given by your doctor and don't forget to drink lots of water.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, which can make this condition worse.

Overdose

What are the symptoms of an amoxicillin overdose and what are the effects?

Amoxicillin overdose is rare, but possible. Be aware of the following symptoms of amoxicillin antibiotic overdose:

• Stomach ache
• Diarrhea

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of the drug amoxicillin, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.