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

Understanding Amoxicillin: A Versatile Antibiotic

Amoxicillin is a widely prescribed penicillin antibiotic used to combat various bacterial infections. This powerful medication plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering an effective treatment option for numerous conditions.

Is amoxicillin suitable for all types of infections? No, amoxicillin is specifically designed to target bacterial infections. It’s ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Healthcare providers prescribe amoxicillin for conditions such as:

• Chest infections (including pneumonia)
• Dental abscesses
• Ear infections in children
• Stomach ulcers (in combination with other medications)

Amoxicillin’s versatility makes it a go-to choice for many healthcare providers when treating bacterial infections. Its effectiveness and relatively low risk of side effects contribute to its popularity in both adult and pediatric medicine.

Dosage and Administration of Amoxicillin

Proper dosage and administration are crucial for amoxicillin’s effectiveness. How much amoxicillin should you take? The typical dosage for adults is 250mg to 500mg, taken three times daily. However, dosages may vary based on the specific infection and patient factors.

For children, liquid amoxicillin is often prescribed, with dosages adjusted based on the child’s weight and the severity of the infection. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely to ensure the best possible outcome.

Tips for Taking Amoxicillin

• Space doses evenly throughout the day
• Take with or without food
• Swallow capsules whole with water
• Use the provided measuring device for liquid formulations
• Complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve

Can you drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin? Unlike some antibiotics, amoxicillin doesn’t interact significantly with alcohol. However, it’s generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption when fighting an infection to support your body’s healing process.

Side Effects and Precautions

While amoxicillin is generally well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. What are the most common side effects of amoxicillin? The most frequently reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash

These side effects typically resolve on their own and don’t require discontinuation of the medication. However, it’s crucial to be aware of more serious side effects that may occur rarely.

Serious Side Effects to Watch For

When should you seek medical attention while taking amoxicillin? Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Severe diarrhea containing blood or mucus
• Signs of liver problems (pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Unusual bruising or skin color changes
• Joint or muscle pain occurring after two days of treatment
• Circular red skin rash

It’s important to note that some serious side effects can occur up to two months after completing the course of amoxicillin. Remain vigilant and report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Allergic Reactions to Amoxicillin

Allergic reactions to amoxicillin are a significant concern. Approximately 1 in 15 people may experience an allergic response to this medication. How can you recognize an allergic reaction to amoxicillin?

Mild allergic reactions often manifest as skin rashes and can usually be managed with antihistamines. However, severe allergic reactions, though rare, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe itching or hives
• Dizziness or fainting

If you’ve had a previous allergic reaction to penicillin or other antibiotics, inform your healthcare provider before taking amoxicillin. They may recommend alternative treatments or perform allergy testing to ensure your safety.

Amoxicillin for Pediatric Use

Amoxicillin plays a crucial role in pediatric medicine, particularly in treating ear infections and chest infections in children. Why is amoxicillin often chosen for pediatric patients? Its effectiveness against common childhood bacterial infections, combined with its relatively mild side effect profile, makes it a preferred choice for many pediatricians.

When prescribing amoxicillin for children, healthcare providers carefully consider factors such as the child’s weight, age, and the specific infection being treated. The medication is often provided in a liquid form, making it easier for children to take.

Important Considerations for Pediatric Use

• Proper dosing based on the child’s weight
• Use of appropriate measuring devices for liquid formulations
• Monitoring for side effects, which may differ from those in adults
• Completing the full course of treatment as prescribed

Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for any signs of allergic reactions or unusual side effects when children are taking amoxicillin. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider is essential if any concerns arise during treatment.

Amoxicillin and Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, and amoxicillin is not immune to this issue. How does antibiotic resistance develop? When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, they can evolve mechanisms to survive the medication’s effects, rendering the antibiotic less effective or even ineffective.

To combat antibiotic resistance and ensure the continued effectiveness of amoxicillin, it’s crucial to use this medication responsibly. This involves several key practices:

• Only taking amoxicillin when prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Completing the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve
• Not sharing antibiotics with others or using leftover antibiotics
• Properly disposing of unused medication

Healthcare providers play a vital role in preventing antibiotic resistance by prescribing amoxicillin only when necessary and at appropriate dosages. Patients can contribute by following their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and asking questions about the proper use of the medication.

Interactions and Precautions

While amoxicillin is generally safe, it can interact with certain medications and medical conditions. What precautions should be taken when using amoxicillin? Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Potential Interactions

• Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may increase the blood levels of this medication
• Probenecid: This medication can increase amoxicillin levels in the body
• Oral contraceptives: Amoxicillin may reduce their effectiveness
• Warfarin and other blood thinners: Amoxicillin may increase the risk of bleeding

Are there any medical conditions that require special consideration when taking amoxicillin? Yes, individuals with the following conditions should inform their healthcare provider before starting amoxicillin treatment:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• History of allergic reactions to antibiotics

Additionally, individuals who have recently received or are scheduled to receive certain vaccinations should discuss this with their healthcare provider, as amoxicillin may interfere with vaccine effectiveness.

Amoxicillin in Combination Therapies

While amoxicillin is often used as a standalone treatment, it can also be part of combination therapies for certain conditions. How does combining amoxicillin with other medications enhance its effectiveness? In some cases, combining amoxicillin with other antibiotics or medications can provide broader coverage against infections or address multiple aspects of a condition.

One common combination therapy involving amoxicillin is its use in treating Helicobacter pylori infections, which are associated with stomach ulcers. In this case, amoxicillin is typically combined with another antibiotic (such as clarithromycin) and a proton pump inhibitor to eradicate the H. pylori bacteria and promote ulcer healing.

Examples of Amoxicillin Combination Therapies

• Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (Augmentin): Broadens the spectrum of antibiotic activity
• Amoxicillin + clarithromycin + omeprazole: Used for H. pylori eradication
• Amoxicillin + metronidazole: Sometimes used for dental infections

When prescribing combination therapies, healthcare providers carefully consider factors such as the specific infection, potential drug interactions, and individual patient characteristics. It’s crucial for patients to follow the prescribed regimen exactly as directed to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

The Future of Amoxicillin and Antibiotic Development

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose challenges in healthcare, researchers are exploring new ways to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics like amoxicillin and develop novel antimicrobial agents. What does the future hold for amoxicillin and antibiotic development?

Several areas of research are showing promise:

• Combination therapies: Exploring new combinations of amoxicillin with other antibiotics or adjuvant compounds to enhance efficacy and combat resistance
• Novel delivery methods: Investigating ways to improve amoxicillin’s absorption and distribution in the body
• Synthetic biology: Using genetic engineering techniques to modify and improve amoxicillin’s structure and function
• Alternative approaches: Exploring non-antibiotic treatments, such as bacteriophage therapy, to complement or replace traditional antibiotics in some cases

While amoxicillin remains a crucial tool in fighting bacterial infections, ongoing research and development are essential to ensure its continued effectiveness and to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

As we look to the future, responsible use of amoxicillin and other antibiotics, combined with innovative research, will be key to maintaining our ability to combat bacterial infections effectively. Patients, healthcare providers, and researchers all play crucial roles in this ongoing effort to preserve and enhance the power of antibiotics like amoxicillin.

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?

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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.
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Further information

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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.