What is amoxicillin used for. How does amoxicillin work. What are the common side effects of amoxicillin. Who can take amoxicillin. How should amoxicillin be taken. What are the precautions when using amoxicillin. How effective is amoxicillin against bacterial infections.

Understanding Amoxicillin: A Versatile Antibiotic

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic widely prescribed for treating various bacterial infections. This potent medication is known for its efficacy in combating a range of conditions, from respiratory tract infections to dental abscesses. But what exactly makes amoxicillin such a popular choice among healthcare professionals?

Amoxicillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, effectively halting the spread of infection. Its broad-spectrum activity allows it to target multiple types of bacteria, making it a versatile option for many common infections. Available in capsule and liquid form, amoxicillin offers flexibility in administration, catering to both adults and children.

Key Benefits of Amoxicillin:

• Effective against a wide range of bacterial infections
• Available in multiple forms for easy administration
• Generally well-tolerated with manageable side effects
• Can be used in combination with other medications for certain conditions

Dosage and Administration: Ensuring Optimal Efficacy

Proper dosage and administration are crucial for maximizing the benefits of amoxicillin while minimizing potential side effects. The typical dosage for adults ranges from 250mg to 500mg, taken three times daily. However, dosages may vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual patient factors.

Is there a specific way to take amoxicillin for best results? Indeed, spacing doses evenly throughout the day is recommended. For those on a three-times-daily regimen, this might mean taking the medication in the morning, mid-afternoon, and before bed. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, offering flexibility in your dosing schedule.

Tips for Taking Amoxicillin:

1. Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better
2. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals
3. Use a measuring device provided by your pharmacist for liquid formulations
4. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose

Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

While amoxicillin is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Understanding these potential effects can help you manage your treatment more effectively and know when to seek medical attention.

Common side effects, occurring in about 1 in 10 people, include nausea and diarrhea. These are typically mild and often resolve on their own. However, more serious side effects, though rare, can occur and require immediate medical attention.

Serious Side Effects to Watch For:

• Severe diarrhea containing blood or mucus
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Unexplained bruising or skin color changes
• Joint or muscle pain occurring after two days of treatment
• Skin rash with circular red patches

Are allergic reactions to amoxicillin common? Approximately 1 in 15 people may experience an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. While most allergic reactions are mild and manifest as skin rashes, severe allergic reactions, though rare, can occur and require immediate medical intervention.

Who Can Take Amoxicillin: Assessing Suitability

Amoxicillin is suitable for most adults and children, but certain factors may influence its appropriateness for individual patients. Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, current health status, and any medications you’re taking before prescribing amoxicillin.

Can everyone take amoxicillin safely? While it’s generally safe for most people, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid amoxicillin altogether. This includes people with a history of allergic reactions to penicillin or other antibiotics, those with liver or kidney problems, and individuals who have recently received or are scheduled for certain vaccinations.

Factors Affecting Amoxicillin Suitability:

• Previous allergic reactions to antibiotics
• Liver or kidney function
• Recent or upcoming vaccinations
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Concurrent medications that may interact with amoxicillin

Amoxicillin in Pediatric Care: Special Considerations

Amoxicillin plays a significant role in pediatric care, often prescribed for common childhood infections such as ear infections and chest infections. Its availability in liquid form makes it particularly suitable for young patients who may have difficulty swallowing capsules.

How does amoxicillin dosing differ for children? Pediatric dosing is typically based on the child’s weight and the severity of the infection. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to follow the prescribed dosage carefully and use the provided measuring device to ensure accurate administration.

Important Points for Pediatric Use:

1. Always use the measuring device provided by your pharmacist
2. Shake liquid formulations well before each use
3. Store liquid amoxicillin properly according to instructions
4. Monitor your child for any unusual symptoms or side effects
5. Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed

Amoxicillin and Other Medications: Potential Interactions

While amoxicillin is generally safe, it can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

Do any common medications interact with amoxicillin? Yes, several medications can interact with amoxicillin. For instance, it may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, potentially increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Additionally, amoxicillin can interact with other antibiotics, blood thinners, and certain medications used to treat gout.

Common Medications That May Interact with Amoxicillin:

• Oral contraceptives
• Methotrexate
• Warfarin and other blood thinners
• Probenecid
• Allopurinol

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking before starting amoxicillin treatment. This ensures your treatment plan can be tailored to avoid potential interactions and maximize efficacy.

Amoxicillin Resistance: A Growing Concern

Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern, and amoxicillin is not immune to this issue. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, potentially reducing the effectiveness of amoxicillin and other antibiotics.

How can we combat amoxicillin resistance? Responsible use of antibiotics is key to preserving their effectiveness. This includes taking amoxicillin only when prescribed by a healthcare professional, completing the full course of treatment, and not saving leftover antibiotics for future use.

Strategies to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance:

1. Use antibiotics only when necessary and as prescribed
2. Complete the full course of antibiotics
3. Do not share antibiotics with others
4. Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections
5. Stay up to date with vaccinations

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in combating antibiotic resistance by prescribing amoxicillin judiciously and educating patients about its proper use. By working together, we can help ensure that amoxicillin remains an effective treatment option for future generations.

Future of Amoxicillin: Research and Development

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose challenges, ongoing research and development in the field of antibiotics, including amoxicillin, is crucial. Scientists are exploring ways to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics and develop new formulations to combat resistant bacteria.

What advancements can we expect in amoxicillin treatment? Current research focuses on several areas, including developing new delivery methods to improve absorption and reduce side effects, combining amoxicillin with other compounds to enhance its antibacterial properties, and exploring novel applications beyond traditional bacterial infections.

Areas of Ongoing Amoxicillin Research:

• Nano-formulations for improved delivery and efficacy
• Combination therapies to combat resistant bacteria
• Extended-release formulations for less frequent dosing
• Potential applications in treating certain viral infections
• Personalized antibiotic therapies based on individual patient factors

These advancements hold promise for enhancing the effectiveness of amoxicillin and potentially expanding its therapeutic applications. However, responsible use of current formulations remains crucial in preserving this valuable antibiotic for future generations.

Amoxicillin in Global Health: Accessibility and Impact

Amoxicillin plays a vital role in global health, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare and advanced antibiotics may be limited. Its broad-spectrum activity, relatively low cost, and stability make it a crucial tool in combating infectious diseases worldwide.

How does amoxicillin contribute to global health initiatives? Amoxicillin is often included in essential medicine lists by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s used in programs targeting common but potentially serious infections such as pneumonia in children, which remains a leading cause of death in many parts of the world.

Amoxicillin’s Global Health Applications:

• Treatment of pneumonia in resource-limited settings
• Management of strep throat to prevent rheumatic fever
• Part of combination therapy for H. pylori eradication
• Prophylaxis in certain high-risk populations
• Treatment of dental infections in areas with limited dental care

While amoxicillin’s global impact is significant, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and preventing misuse that could lead to resistance. Ongoing efforts focus on improving distribution, educating healthcare providers and patients, and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in diverse global settings.

Amoxicillin and Environmental Considerations

As the use of antibiotics like amoxicillin continues to grow globally, increasing attention is being paid to their environmental impact. Antibiotics can enter the environment through various routes, including human and animal excretion, improper disposal of unused medications, and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

What are the environmental concerns associated with amoxicillin use? The presence of antibiotics in the environment can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural ecosystems. This not only affects wildlife but can also potentially impact human health if resistant bacteria enter the food chain or water supplies.

Environmental Challenges and Solutions:

1. Improved wastewater treatment to remove antibiotics
2. Proper disposal programs for unused medications
3. Stricter regulations on pharmaceutical manufacturing effluents
4. Research into biodegradable antibiotic formulations
5. Public education on responsible antibiotic use and disposal

Addressing these environmental concerns requires a multi-faceted approach involving healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and the public. By considering the full lifecycle of antibiotics like amoxicillin, we can work towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly antibiotic use practices.

Amoxicillin in Veterinary Medicine: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Amoxicillin isn’t just crucial in human medicine; it also plays a significant role in veterinary care. Used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections in animals, from household pets to livestock, amoxicillin’s versatility makes it a valuable tool in animal health management.

How does veterinary use of amoxicillin impact human health? While beneficial for animal health, the use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine, particularly in food-producing animals, has raised concerns about contributing to antibiotic resistance that could affect humans. This has led to increased regulation and calls for more judicious use in veterinary practice.

Key Considerations in Veterinary Amoxicillin Use:

• Species-specific dosing and administration
• Withdrawal periods for food-producing animals
• Alternative treatments to reduce antibiotic use
• Monitoring and reporting of antibiotic use in agriculture
• Development of veterinary-specific antibiotic formulations

Balancing the need for effective animal treatment with the broader public health concerns of antibiotic resistance requires ongoing collaboration between veterinarians, farmers, regulatory bodies, and public health officials. Responsible use guidelines and continued research into alternatives are essential steps in addressing these challenges.

Patient Education: Maximizing Amoxicillin’s Benefits

Effective patient education is crucial for maximizing the benefits of amoxicillin treatment while minimizing risks. Healthcare providers play a key role in ensuring patients understand how to take the medication correctly, what side effects to watch for, and the importance of completing the full course of treatment.

What should patients know about taking amoxicillin? Patients should be informed about the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosage schedule, potential side effects, and when to seek medical attention. They should also understand the risks of antibiotic resistance and the need to take amoxicillin only as prescribed.

Key Points for Patient Education:

1. Take amoxicillin at regular intervals as prescribed
2. Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve
3. Be aware of common side effects and when to report them
4. Understand potential interactions with other medications
5. Know the signs of an allergic reaction and seek immediate medical attention if they occur

Empowering patients with this knowledge not only improves individual treatment outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of responsible antibiotic use. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to ask questions and provide clear, accessible information about amoxicillin and its use.

Amoxicillin in Special Populations: Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The use of amoxicillin during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration. While generally considered safe, the potential risks and benefits must be weighed for each individual case under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Can amoxicillin be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Amoxicillin is typically considered safe for use during pregnancy and is often the antibiotic of choice for treating infections in pregnant women when necessary. It’s classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B, indicating no evidence of risk in humans. However, as with any medication during pregnancy, it should only be used when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Considerations for Amoxicillin Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Potential risks vs. benefits of treating maternal infections
• Timing of antibiotic use during pregnancy
• Monitoring for potential side effects in both mother and fetus/infant
• Possible impact on infant gut microbiome during breastfeeding
• Alternative treatments if amoxicillin is contraindicated

Amoxicillin: antibiotic to treat bacterial infections

1. About amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses. It can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers.

It’s often prescribed for children, to treat ear infections and chest infections.

Amoxicillin is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules or as a liquid that you swallow. It’s also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

2. Key facts

• For most infections, you’ll start to feel better in a few days.
• The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.
• Liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth. This does not last and is removed by brushing.
• You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
• Sometimes, taking amoxicillin can cause thrush.

3. Who can and cannot take amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can be taken by most adults and children.

Find out more about giving amoxicillin to children on the Medicines for Children website.

Amoxicillin is not suitable for everyone. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin or any other medicine
• have liver or kidney problems
• have recently had, or are due to have, any vaccinations

4. How and when to take amoxicillin

Dosage

The usual dose of amoxicillin capsules is 250mg to 500mg, taken 3 times a day. The dose may be lower for children.

Amoxicillin liquid is available in 125mg and 250mg doses.

Important

Carry on taking this medicine until you’ve completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.

How to take it

Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, this could be first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon and at bedtime.

You can take amoxicillin before or after food.

Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.

Amoxicillin is available as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow capsules.

If you or your child are taking liquid amoxicillin, it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to harm you or your child, but speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

You have taken more than your prescribed dose of amoxicillin and have symptoms including:

• stomach pain or you’re being sick
• blood in your pee
• difficulty peeing or producing less pee than usual

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, amoxicillin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in around 1 in 10 people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor or call 111 now if you get:

• diarrhoea (possibly with stomach cramps) that contains blood or mucus or severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than 4 days
• pale poo and dark pee, and the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems
• bruising or changes in your skin colour
• joint or muscle pain that comes on after 2 days of taking the medicine
• a skin rash with circular red patches (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin)

Some of these serious side effects can happen up to 2 months after finishing the amoxicillin.

Serious allergic reaction

Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and can take the form of a skin rash.

Mild skin rashes can usually be treated by taking antihistamines.

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you’re wheezing
• you get tightness in the chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of amoxicillin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of amoxicillin

What to do about:

• feeling sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your amoxicillin after a meal or snack.
• diarrhoea – drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take contraception and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Amoxicillin and pregnancy

It is safe to take amoxicillin during pregnancy.

Amoxicillin and breastfeeding

It is OK to take amoxicillin while breastfeeding. Information shows that only tiny amounts of amoxicillin get into breast milk. Such levels would not be expected to cause side effects in your baby.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife if:

• your baby is not feeding as well as usual
• they have sickness or diarrhoea
• your baby has oral thrush, or a skin rash
• you have any other concerns about your baby

For more information about how amoxicillin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

8. Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that do not mix well with amoxicillin.

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medicines before you start taking amoxicillin:

• methotrexate, used to treat arthritis and psoriasis
• warfarin, a medicine to prevent blood clots
• gout medicines called probenecid or allopurinol
• other antibiotics

Tell your doctor if you’ve recently had, or are due to have, an oral typhoid vaccine. Amoxicillin can make it less effective.

Mixing amoxicillin with herbal remedies and supplements

There is little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements alongside amoxicillin.

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about amoxicillin

How does amoxicillin work?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

When will I feel better?

For most infections, you should feel better within a few days.

It’s very important that you keep taking amoxicillin until your course is finished. Do this even if you feel better. It will help stop the infection coming back.

What if I do not get better?

Tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after taking amoxicillin for 3 days. Also tell them if, at any time, you start to feel worse.

Will it give me thrush?

Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin. If you think you have thrush, speak to your pharmacist or ask your doctor for advice.

How does amoxicillin compare with other antibiotics?

Amoxicillin and other penicillins, like phenoxymethylpenicillin, are antibiotics that are widely used to treat a variety of infections, including skin, dental, throat and chest infections.

Not all antibiotics are suitable for every infection. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that’s suitable for the type of infection you have. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Will it affect my contraception?

Amoxicillin does not stop contraceptive pills working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

However, if amoxicillin makes you sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Find about more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick or have diarrhoea.

Will it affect my fertility?

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking amoxicillin reduces fertility in either men or women.

Does it stain teeth?

If you or your child take amoxicillin as a liquid medicine, it can stain your teeth. This does not last and should go after brushing your teeth well.

Amoxicillin capsules do not stain teeth.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Yes. Amoxicillin should not affect you being able to drive or cycle.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking amoxicillin.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin Pill Images – What does amoxicillin look like?

Print

Save

What does Amoxicillin look like?

Note: Multiple pictures are displayed for those medicines available in different strengths, marketed under different brand names and for medicines manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. Multi ingredient medications may also be listed when applicable.
Return to Pill Identifier…

Results for “Amoxicillin” (

1 – 18 of 52)

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 3107 93 3107

Color

Tan & White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

125 MG

Imprint

221 B L

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 MG

Imprint

biocraft 01

Color

Yellow / Brown

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

MYLAN 204 MYLAN 204

Color

Brown & Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

MYLAN 205 MYLAN 205

Color

Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 5

Amoxicillin trihydrate

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

AMOX 500 GG 849

Color

Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 613

Color

Brown & White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

93 615

Color

White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

93 2263

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 4

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

93 2264

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

125 mg

Imprint

93 2267

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 2268

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

PL AT8

Color

Pink

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

222 B L

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

BIOCRAFT 03

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

125N

Color

Pink

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 4

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

RX 763

Color

Pink

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

RX 515

Color

Pink

Shape

Round

View details

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Amoxicillin – Together by St. Jude

Antibiotic

Trademarks:

Moxatag®, Amoxil®

Other names:

p-Hydroxyampicillin

Often used for:

Infections

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. Its action is aimed at the destruction of bacteria that cause infections. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the penicillin group. Amoxicillin is available in various dosage forms. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Oral chewable tablets

Oral capsules

Oral liquid form

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Taste disturbance

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle pain, shortness of breath, cough, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck

The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed amoxicillin. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea while taking this drug.
• It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking the drug. Drink the amount of fluid recommended by your doctor.
• Amoxicillin may interfere with some laboratory tests, especially in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes). Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly use the urine glucose test strips and how to interpret the results.
• Amoxicillin may increase or decrease the effectiveness of other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, especially if it is methotrexate or probenecid.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should notify their physician.
• The use of amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and other hormonal methods of contraception. During therapy, patients who are sexually active should use other methods of contraception, such as condoms.
• The course of taking the drug must be completed completely in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician or pharmacist.

Taking amoxicillin at home:

• It should be taken at the same time every day.
• Long-acting tablets: must be swallowed whole. It is not allowed to break, grind or chew them before taking. The extended-release tablets should be taken within 1 hour after a meal.
• Amoxicillin in other dosage forms can be taken with or without food. If the drug causes stomach upset, it must be taken with food.
• In liquid form: shake well before use, use the measuring device provided to measure the dosage. The drug in liquid form can be mixed with milk, juice, water or other cool drinks immediately before taking.
• Chewable tablet should be chewed or broken before swallowing.
• Take your dose as soon as possible if you miss it. Do not do this only if there is little time left until the next appointment. In no case do not double the dose at the next dose!
• Store amoxicillin at room temperature.
• Liquid amoxicillin may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. After opening, store no more than 14 days.
• Do not use an expired drug.
• Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal of the drug.

More about amoxicillin

Tick-borne borreliosis (Lyme disease) – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Infectious pathology proceeds according to the standard algorithm, which includes 3 stages, corresponding to the peculiarities of pathogenesis. Stages I and II are conventionally combined into the early phase of infection, and stage III represents the late phase of the disease. Each of the stages of Lyme borreliosis has a special symptom complex. In a separate category, a latent form is distinguished, in which there are no clinical signs, but the pathogen is in the body.

Stage I

At the initial stage, a person experiences signs of general intoxication: fever, chills, headaches and body aches occur. Less common are sore throat, dry cough and runny nose. Intense muscle pain and stiffness of the neck muscles are possible. The symptoms are similar to the flu and other respiratory infections.

The pathognomonic sign of borreliosis is erythema migrans annulare (ME), which manifests itself at the site of a tick bite. First, a red spot appears, which increases in size within a few days. Its edges remain bright red and slightly swollen, and the center turns pale, which is why the redness looks like a ring. The condition is accompanied by an increase in the lymph nodes, which are located near the bite. ME has a diameter of up to 20 cm, in rare cases it reaches a size of 50-60 cm. Redness is most often located on the legs, in the axillary and inguinal regions. If there have been several tick bites, a corresponding number of annular elements may occur. Erythema persists for 2-3 weeks, after which it disappears through the stage of residual pigmentation and desquamation.

In 30% of patients, the symptoms of tick-borne borreliosis are not accompanied by the appearance of ME. In this case, a small inflamed area is formed at the site of suction of the parasite. Occasionally, the disease is accompanied by benign lymphoplasia of the skin, which is also called lymphocytoma. It is manifested by painful bluish-red nodes, which are mainly localized on the face, around the mammary glands, in the genital area. Reactive lymphoproliferation persists for several months and resolves spontaneously.

The duration of stage I is 3-30 days. With the timely start of treatment, it is possible to completely remove the symptoms and eliminate negative long-term consequences. If therapy has not been carried out, the disease passes to stage II of development.

Stage II

Symptoms of the second stage of the disease occur in 10-15% of patients. This stage proceeds with the involvement of 3 body systems: nervous, cardiovascular, osteoarticular. In typical cases, borreliosis is manifested by the pathology of one of the 3 above-mentioned systems, but occasionally combined pathologies develop.

When the nervous system is involved in the process, the following symptoms of borreliosis occur:

1. Meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Infectious damage to the brain is manifested by severe headaches, repeated vomiting, increased susceptibility to bright light and loud sounds. Characterized by soreness of the occipital muscles, pain when moving the eyes. About a third of patients complain of drowsiness during the day and constant insomnia at night, memory impairment, emotional instability.
2. Neuritis of the cranial nerves. Most often, with Lyme borreliosis, the facial nerves are affected, which is accompanied by numbness of half of the face, drooping of the corner of the mouth, and speech disorders. Less often, the oculomotor, abducens, and optic nerves are involved in the process, which leads to complex disorders in the work of the visual analyzer.
3. Bannwart’s meningoradiculoneuritis. This is a disease specific to tick-borne borreliosis, in which the patient has a combination of signs of meningitis, damage to the cranial nerves and roots extending from the spinal cord. In addition to typical meningeal signs, intense pain in the neck and chest, paresis and paralysis of skeletal muscles, impaired coordination of movements and the ability to maintain balance develop.

Cardiovascular pathologies are registered in 10% of patients after 5-6 weeks from the onset of the infectious symptom complex. They are represented by pain in the left side of the chest, increased heart rate, a feeling of fading and interruptions in the work of the heart. Shortness of breath and dizziness caused by circulatory failure are also observed. In severe cases, pericarditis, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy are possible.

Lyme disease typically involves the musculoskeletal system. Lyme arthritis occurs with damage to the large joints of the body as arthralgia, recurrent benign or chronic arthritis. These forms can pass into each other or appear in isolation. A feature of arthritis is inflammation of one or two large joints, in contrast to rheumatoid diseases, which primarily affect small joints and are characterized by symmetrical inflammation. The differential signs of Lyme arthritis include the same intensity of pain and stiffness, which does not depend on the time of day and the patient’s physical activity. Symptoms have an undulating course with periods of exacerbation lasting from several days to several weeks.

More rare symptoms include:

• red rash on palms;
• rashes in the form of wheals;
• benign skin lymphocytoma;
• myositis;
• generalized lymphadenopathy;
• hepatitis;
• jade;
• bronchitis;
• orchitis in men.