Amoxicillin Uses, Benefits, Combinations, Side-Effects and FAQ

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic which is used to treat infections. It fights with bacteria and stops them from growing by preventing them from forming cell walls. This kills the bacteria and eventually eradicates the infection.

Amoxicillin can be taken orally as a dry tablet, a chewable tablet, a capsule, a suspension, or liquid preparation, or as drops for children.

 Uses of Amoxicillin

• Amoxicillin can be used as an antibiotic
• It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria
• Amoxicillin can be used to treat Chest Infections
• It can be used to treat Infections of the nasal passages or throat
• It can be used for the Treatment of Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever

How Amoxicillin Works in the body?

Amoxicillin belongs to a group of antibiotics called Penicillin. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out.

Read also: Thyroid Disorders and its health related Problems

Amoxicillin – combination, active content composition and active ingredients

Formulations of Amoxicillin capsules, USP contain Amoxicillin, a semi synthetic antibiotic, an analog of Ampicillin, with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.

The Amoxicillin molecular formula is C16H19N3O5S•3H2O and the molecular weight is 419.45.

Inactive Ingredients

Microcrystalline cellulose, D&C Red No. 28, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, magnesium Stearate, titanium dioxide, and sodium Lauryl sulfate.

Packages and Capabilities

Blue Cap: 250 mg Amoxicillin

(The body of the 250 mg capsule is imprinted with ‘A44’ in black ink)

Pink Cap: 500 mg Amoxicillin

(The body of the 500 mg capsule is imprinted with ‘A45’ in black ink)

Amoxicillin Side Effects

• difficulty in breathing
• difficulty in swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• feeling discomfort
• fever
• general body swelling
• headache
• heavier menstrual periods

How to Use Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can be taken orally as a dry tablet, a chewable tablet, a capsule, a suspension, or liquid preparation, or as drops for children.

Liquid: You may need to shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. Follow the directions on your medicine label

Chewable Tablet: The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Precautions

• Take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Take this medicine at the same time each day.
• Some forms of amoxicillin may be taken with or without food. Check your medicine label to see if you should take your medicine with food or not.
• You may need to shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Drug Interaction of Amoxicillin

Severe Interactions:

These medications are not usually taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation

• Antimicrobials/Live Typhoid Vaccine

Serious Interactions:

These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

• Penicillins/Methotrexate

Moderate Interactions:

These medications may cause some risk when taken together. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

Penicillins/Tetracyclines

Selected Cephalosporins & Penicillins/Probenecid

Selected Penicillins/Selected Anticoagulants (Vit K Antag.)

Penicillins/Oral Contraceptive

Prohibition/ Contradiction

You should not use Amoxicillin if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, or ticarcillin.

To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma
• liver or kidney disease
• a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics
• Food or drug allergies (especially to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others

If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Amoxicillin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- Is Amoxicillin Safe?

It is safe to use it if you have consulted your doctor before using it and if you are using it in the right volume prescribed by the doctors.

Q- What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash, urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Q- What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using amoxicillin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Q- Is Breast Feeding Safe After Taking Amoxicillin?

Concern Your Doctor before Using This Drug as it’s effect varies from body to body.

Q- Can Pregnant Women take Amoxicillin?

Although, It does not affect an Unborn Baby but still for the safety of Your Child, You can consult a Doctor to Solve Your Queries.

Q- Can you drink alcohol with antibiotics (amoxicillin)?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic amoxicillin. The alcohol will not stop amoxicillin from working. Moderation is key.

However, many health professionals will recommend you avoid alcohol to give your body the best chance possible to fight the infection.

Q- How long does it take for drug to work?

It will start Showing You The Result After 2-3 Days of Using.

Q- If allergic to penicillin, is it safe to use amoxicillin?

No, you should not take amoxicillin if you are allergic to penicillin. Amoxicillin belongs to the Penicillin class of antibiotics and must be avoided if possible.
You should see your dentist – it sounds as though you may need more than just antibiotics. Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, doxycycline and erythromycin may be a safe alternatives for you.