Know The Facts About Amoxicillin (Amoxil)

Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It is a moderate beta-lactam antibiotic, used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is absorbed easily and hence preferred by the doctors. However, Amoxicillin can be broken down by beta-lactamase producing bacteria and can be given with clavulanic acid. It is available as a product of GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name, Amoxil.

Amoxicillin inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The formula is referred to as co-amoxiclav (a name approved by the United Kingdom). However, it is commonly known by its proprietary names, Augmentin and Clamoxyl.

It is usually prescribed to women, children under the age of 8, and people allergic to tetracycline and it can be taken on an empty stomach. Amoxicillin is usually available in form of pills, which can be taken for several weeks.

Who should avoid amoxicillin?

Any patients, with the following complications, should not take Amoxicillin.


* Diabetes patients should be aware of the fact, that amoxicillin can lead to false positive results of the glucose urine tests.

* Amoxicillin passes on to breast milk, therefore it may cause yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reactions to the nursing infant, though no serious harm has ever been reported. If you are lactating it is important to seek your doctors' advice before taking amoxicillin.


* Amoxicillin belongs to the FDA pregnancy category B drugs. So, if you are pregnant, or planning to conceive, or get pregnant while taking amoxicillin, then it is suggested, that you consult your doctor immediately.


* Inform your doctor, if there are any problems related to kidney or infectious mononucleosis. If you take amoxicillin in presence of such disorders there is a big risk of adverse side effects.


* If you have previously suffered from allergic reactions to any type of penicillin or to a cephalosporin, always let your doctor know about such allergies.




Some possible side effects

It is advised that medical attention be sought instantly, should any of the following symptoms occur while taking amoxicillin. The consequences of ignoring these side effects could be serious.

* Allergic reactions that result in shortness of breath, closing of the throat, hives, swelling of lips, face, or tongue, rashes on the skin or fainting.



* Severe diarrhea
* Seizures
* Unexpected bleeding or bruising
* Abdominal cramps



Some less debilitating side affects can also result from amoxicillin such as mild nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or abdominal pain, yeast infection in the form of white patches on the tongue, vaginal yeast infection, causing itching or vaginal discharge, sore mouth or tongue.

Of course, other side effects are also possible. So if you detect any unusual symptom after taking amoxicillin, talk to your doctor without any delay.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for more information about amoxicillin.

Amoxil Medicine - Dosage , Use And Side Effects

Amoxil is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It fights bacteria in the body. Amoxil is used to treat many different types of infections such as:

* Tonsillitis
* Ear infections
* Urinary tract infections
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia
* Gonorrhea and infections of the skin.


Amoxicillin is antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that may cause various type of infections. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls.

Amoxil Dosage

For the treatment of Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, and Urinary Tract Infections, then the usual dose is 250 milligrams every 8 hours.

Children weighing under 88 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.

Uses of Amoxil

Amoxil is used to treat children with ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, and strep throat.

Amoxil is also used in combination with other medicines to treat patients with H. pylori infections.
Side Effects of Amoxil

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with Amoxil.

Amoxil Side effects may include:

*Agitation
*Changes in behavior
*Confusion
*Insomnia
*Rash
*Diarrhea
*Hives
*Liver problems and jaundice
*Nausea


Warnings and precautions before taking Amoxil:

*This antibiotic should be avoided in people with suspected glandular fever, acute or chronic lymphoid leukaemia, or cytomegalovirus, as it commonly causes a rash in people with these conditions.
*If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, then you should consult with your doctor before taking Amoxil.
*You should stop using Amoxil if you experience reactions such as bruising, fever, skin rash, itching, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and/or sores on the genitals. If these reactions occur, stop taking Amoxil unless your doctor advises you to continue.
*Before taking Amoxil, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, colitis, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking Amoxil with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following:

*Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
*Tetracycline (Achromycin V, others)
*Probenecid
*Oral contraceptives
*Erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, others)


Overdose

Symptoms of an Amoxil overdose may include:

o Muscle spasms or weakness
o Pain or twitching
o Confusion
o Coma or agitation.
o Seizures


Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.