Amoxicillin 500 mg tablets. Amoxicillin 500mg: A Comprehensive Guide to This Powerful Antibiotic
What is Amoxicillin 500mg used for. How does Amoxicillin work against bacterial infections. What are the key facts about Amoxicillin that patients should know. Who can safely take Amoxicillin and what precautions should be considered. How should Amoxicillin be taken for maximum effectiveness. What are the potential side effects of Amoxicillin. How can patients manage common side effects and recognize serious reactions.
Understanding Amoxicillin: A Versatile Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic widely prescribed for treating various bacterial infections. This powerful medication is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, making it a go-to choice for many healthcare providers.
Are you curious about which infections amoxicillin can treat? This antibiotic is commonly used for:
- Chest infections, including pneumonia
- Dental abscesses
- Ear infections in children
- Stomach ulcers (when combined with other medications)
Amoxicillin’s versatility extends to its various forms of administration. While it’s most commonly available as capsules or liquid for oral consumption, it can also be administered via injection in hospital settings for more severe cases.
Key Facts About Amoxicillin: What Patients Need to Know
Before starting an amoxicillin regimen, it’s crucial to understand some key facts about this medication:
- Effectiveness: Most patients begin to feel better within a few days of starting treatment.
- Common side effects: Nausea and diarrhea are the most frequently reported side effects.
- Dental considerations: Liquid amoxicillin may temporarily stain teeth, but this can be removed through regular brushing.
- Alcohol consumption: Unlike some antibiotics, amoxicillin does not interact with alcohol.
- Secondary infections: In some cases, amoxicillin use can lead to thrush, a fungal infection.
Understanding these facts can help patients better manage their treatment and set appropriate expectations for their recovery process.
Who Can Safely Take Amoxicillin? Important Considerations and Precautions
While amoxicillin is suitable for most adults and children, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid its use altogether. To ensure safe administration, healthcare providers need to be informed of the following:
- Any history of allergic reactions to amoxicillin, penicillin, or other medications
- Existing liver or kidney problems
- Recent or upcoming vaccinations
Is amoxicillin safe for children? Generally, yes. However, dosages for children are typically lower than those for adults. Parents should consult the Medicines for Children website for specific guidance on administering amoxicillin to younger patients.
Proper Administration of Amoxicillin: Dosage and Timing
Correct dosage and adherence to the prescribed regimen are crucial for amoxicillin’s effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know:
Standard Dosages
- Adults: 250mg to 500mg, taken three times daily
- Children: Lower doses, based on weight and severity of infection
How should amoxicillin be taken for optimal results? Follow these guidelines:
- Space doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., morning, afternoon, bedtime)
- Take with or without food
- Swallow capsules whole with water; do not chew or break
- For liquid form, use the provided measuring device for accurate dosing
Remember, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can lead to a resurgence of the infection and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Missed Doses and Overdose Precautions
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
While taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to cause severe harm, it’s essential to be aware of potential overdose symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty urinating or decreased urine output
Navigating Side Effects: From Common to Serious
Like all medications, amoxicillin can cause side effects. Understanding the range of potential reactions can help patients distinguish between normal experiences and those requiring medical attention.
Common Side Effects
Approximately 1 in 10 people experience common side effects, which include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
These effects are usually mild and often resolve on their own. However, if they persist or become bothersome, consult your healthcare provider.
Serious Side Effects
While rare (occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people), serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Watch for:
- Severe diarrhea containing blood or mucus, lasting more than 4 days
- Signs of liver or gallbladder problems (pale stools, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Unexplained bruising or skin color changes
- Joint or muscle pain starting 2 days after beginning treatment
- Skin rash with circular red patches
It’s important to note that some serious side effects can occur up to 2 months after completing the amoxicillin course.
Allergic Reactions to Amoxicillin: Recognition and Response
Allergic reactions to amoxicillin occur in approximately 1 in 15 people. While most of these reactions are mild, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and know how to respond.
Mild Allergic Reactions
The most common manifestation of a mild allergic reaction to amoxicillin is a skin rash. In many cases, these can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect an allergic reaction.
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
In rare instances, amoxicillin can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe rash or itching
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking amoxicillin, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Amoxicillin and Antibiotic Resistance: The Importance of Proper Use
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, and the proper use of antibiotics like amoxicillin plays a crucial role in combating this issue. How can patients contribute to preventing antibiotic resistance?
- Take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed
- Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve
- Never share antibiotics with others or use leftover antibiotics
- Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure the continued effectiveness of amoxicillin and other important antibiotics for future generations.
Amoxicillin Interactions: Medications, Supplements, and Lifestyle Factors
While amoxicillin is generally safe, it can interact with certain medications, supplements, and lifestyle factors. Being aware of these interactions can help prevent potential complications and ensure the antibiotic’s effectiveness.
Medication Interactions
Amoxicillin may interact with various medications, including:
- Methotrexate: Amoxicillin can increase the blood levels of this drug, potentially leading to increased side effects
- Probenecid: This medication can increase amoxicillin levels in the body
- Oral contraceptives: Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Dietary Considerations
While amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, certain dietary factors may affect its absorption:
- Dairy products: High calcium intake may slightly reduce amoxicillin absorption, but this effect is generally not clinically significant
- Alcohol: While amoxicillin doesn’t interact directly with alcohol, drinking may exacerbate certain side effects like nausea and dizziness
Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can impact the effectiveness of amoxicillin treatment:
- Smoking: May reduce the effectiveness of amoxicillin in treating respiratory infections
- Sun exposure: Amoxicillin can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, potentially leading to sunburn
By being mindful of these interactions and lifestyle factors, patients can optimize their amoxicillin treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
Special Considerations for Amoxicillin Use in Specific Populations
While amoxicillin is widely prescribed, certain populations may require special considerations or adjusted dosages. Understanding these nuances can help ensure safe and effective treatment for all patients.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Is amoxicillin safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Generally, yes. Amoxicillin is considered safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication during these periods.
Elderly Patients
Older adults may be more susceptible to certain side effects of amoxicillin, particularly if they have reduced kidney function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and closer monitoring for side effects is often recommended.
Patients with Impaired Kidney Function
For individuals with kidney problems, amoxicillin dosages may need to be adjusted. The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating the drug from the body, so impaired function can lead to accumulation and increased risk of side effects.
Patients with Mononucleosis
Individuals with mononucleosis (mono) should avoid amoxicillin. This infection can cause a rash that may be mistaken for an allergic reaction when amoxicillin is administered.
By considering these special populations, healthcare providers can tailor amoxicillin treatment to ensure optimal safety and efficacy for all patients.
The Future of Amoxicillin: Research and Development
As antibiotic resistance continues to pose challenges in healthcare, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving amoxicillin and related antibiotics. What does the future hold for this important medication?
Combination Therapies
Researchers are exploring new combinations of amoxicillin with other antibiotics or adjuvant therapies to enhance its effectiveness against resistant bacteria. Some promising areas include:
- Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combinations with novel beta-lactamase inhibitors
- Combination therapies with probiotics to reduce side effects and improve gut health
Novel Delivery Methods
Innovative delivery systems are being developed to improve amoxicillin’s efficacy and patient compliance:
- Extended-release formulations for less frequent dosing
- Targeted delivery systems to increase concentration at infection sites
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Advances in genomics and pharmacogenomics may lead to more personalized amoxicillin treatments:
- Genetic testing to predict individual response and potential side effects
- Tailored dosing regimens based on patient-specific factors
These ongoing research efforts aim to ensure that amoxicillin remains a valuable tool in the fight against bacterial infections for years to come.
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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Amoxicillin
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Amoxicillin
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Amoxicillin
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- 222 B L
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Medical Disclaimer
Tick-borne borreliosis (Lyme disease) – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Infectious pathology proceeds according to a standard algorithm, which includes 3 stages, corresponding to the characteristics 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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;
- blistering eruption;
- benign skin lymphocytoma;
- myositis;
- generalized lymphadenopathy;
- hepatitis;
- jade;
- bronchitis;
- orchitis in men.
stage III
The disease is characterized by a slow response of the immune system and a high risk of developing autoimmune processes. These factors, combined with the possibility of intracellular parasites, increase the risk of chronic infection.
The third stage develops 6-24 months after the elimination of acute symptoms of the disease. It is characterized by damage to the joints according to the type of specific Lyme arthritis, skin damage in the form of chronic atrophic Herxheimer’s acrodermatitis, damage to the nervous system – encephalitis or encephalomyelitis.