Amoxicillin Information
Amoxicillin (amoxicillin) is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria. Capsules, chewable tablets, and oral suspensions of Amoxicillin may be given without regard to meals. Food effect studies have not been performed with the 200-mg and 500-mg formulations. Amoxicillin is stable against gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed. Peak concentrations are reached 1 to 2 hours after administration. Food decreases the rate, but does not alter the extent of absorption.
Co-administration of amoxicillin and oral anticoagulation medication showed an increased international normalized ratio, which suggests a risk of bleeding.
A study conducted to determine if antibiotics are beneficial in treating patients with sinusitis complaints and other related symptoms (pus in the nasal cavity, facial pressure or nasal discharge lasting longer than seven days) found that Amoxicillin did not provide any significant benefits over a placebo. Although there were study patients whose symptoms did improve while on Amoxicillin, identifying these patients in advance and treating them with antibiotics may be difficult in a clinical setting. Treating patients unnecessarily with antibiotics may result in potential harm to the patient.
What is Amoxicillin for?
Various infections Dosages:
Ear, Nose, Throat: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours.
Lower Respiratory Tract: 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours.
Skin, Skin Structure: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours.
Genitourinary Tract: 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours.
Gonorrhea and urethral infections: 3 grams as single oral dose. All patients with gonorrhea should be evaluated for syphilis.
Dosage for urinary tract infections is 500 mg every 12 hours, or 250 mg every 8 hours.
What are the benefits?
Kills susceptible bacteria causing infections.
Amoxicillin rarely produces side effects.
Available in multiple dosage forms for ease of administration.
Active against bacteria that commonly cause ear, nose, or throat infections.
May also be used to treat infections of the genitourinary tract, skin, or lower respiratory tract caused by susceptible bacteria.
Usually well-tolerated.
Amoxicillin as Generic amoxicillin is available.
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic which belongs to the aminopenicillin group of antibiotics. Drops are highly palatable and easy to dispense to cats and fussy dogs; capsules and tablets can be hidden in a treat or meal. Amoxicillin may be given with food.
How does Amoxicillin work? Amoxicillin blocks the bacteria from making a cell wall (the outer protective covering of the bacteria). As a result, the bacteria usually die.
How is it given? Amoxicillin is given orally and may be given with food. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your doctor. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.
How to use properly? When Amoxicillin is used correctly, they are usually safe with few side effects. However, as with most drugs, Amoxicillin can lead to side effects that may range from being a nuisance to serious or life-threatening. In infants and the elderly, in patients with kidney or liver disease, in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and in many other patient groups Amoxicillin dose may need to be adjusted based upon the specific characteristics of the patient, like kidney or liver function, weight, or age.
What results can I expect? Amoxicillin is absorbed well from the digestive system and is distributed to many body tissues, making it effective against infections in multiple organs. It is active against many different types of bacteria. It is usually given two to three times a day for a number of days. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your doctor if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Amoxicillin.
What form(s) does it come in? Tablet, capsule and oral suspension.
Side effects
Hypersensitivity reactions are more likely in patients with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or urticaria. Erythematous maculopapular rashes occur frequently in patients with infectious mononucleosis who take amoxicillin these may be due to hypersensitivity. Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, generalized abdominal cramps, colitis, hemorrhagic colitis, pseudomembranous colitis. Renal side effects have included crystalluria and acute interstitial nephritis, often associated with fever, rash and eosinophilia. Hematologic side effects associated with penicillins have included thrombocytopenia, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, eosinophilia, and granulocytopenia. Immunologic side effects have included mucocutaneous candidiasis and vulvovaginal mycotic infection. Rare cases of psychosis associated with amoxicillin therapy have been reported but may have been due to underlying infection or concomitant medication.Other side effects have rarely included brown, yellow, or gray tooth discoloration, primarily in pediatric patients. Brushing or dental cleaning reduced or eliminated the discoloration in most cases.
Amoxicillin Directions and Recommendations
It should be recognized that in the treatment of chronic urinary tract infections, frequent bacteriological and clinical appraisals are necessary. Smaller doses than those recommended above should not be used. Even higher doses may be needed at times. In stubborn infections, therapy may be required for several weeks. It may be necessary to continue clinical and/or bacteriological follow-up for several months after cessation of therapy. Except for gonorrhea, treatment should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained. It is recommended that there be at least 10 days treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever.
Amoxicillin Precautions
If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine, you may find that it causes some staining of the teeth. Brushing the teeth regularly helps to prevent this. Any staining usually disappears soon after the course of Amoxicillin is finished. Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the Amoxicillin until the course is finished (unless a doctor tells you to stop). This is to prevent the infection from coming back. Amoxicillin are prescribed in short courses of treatment. Your doctor will tell you how long your course of treatment will last - this is not usually for longer than 14 days. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor. Some people develop redness and itching in the mouth or vagina (thrush) after taking a course of Amoxicillin. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you are taking the contraceptive 'pill' at the same time as Amoxicillin, the effectiveness of the 'pill' can be reduced if you have a bout of being sick (vomiting) or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If this should happen, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about what additional contraceptive precautions to use over the following few days. There is no need to use additional precautions for any bouts of sickness or diarrhoea which last for less than 24 hours.
Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.
Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Amoxicillin.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if:
you are allergic to any medications;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Amoxicillin Ingredients
Active ingredient: amoxicillin