Amoxicot

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin which is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections but ineffective in viral infections. 

This drug is often prescribed by the physicians to treat patients with: 

• Bacterial infections
• Pharyngitis
• Acute otitis media
• Dental abscess
• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Endocarditis
• Anthrax
• Chlamydial cervicitis
• Chlamydial urethritis
• Salmonellosis
• Typhoid fever
• Acute uncomplicated gonorrhea
• Infections of the lower respiratory tract

It is also used with other medicines (e.g. clarithromycin, lansoprazole) to treat H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer. It inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell wall by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thus inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis resulting in bacterial lysis.

This medicine is available in capsule, tablet (chewable, extended release) and powder forms. You can get this medicine only with your doctor's prescription.

If you are about to start , the risk and benefit ratio of taking this drug should be considered. This is a decision that your doctor will make with your active participation. 

There are some important factors such as drug interaction, metabolic impairment, hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. which may alter the drug action.

Sometimes, presence of other health disorders affects the beneficial effects of this medicine and may even cause serious complications. 

Make sure you mention to your doctor if you have any other medical problems. The use of amoxicillin is contraindicated in those patients who have known hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to amoxicillin or to other β-lactam antibiotics (e.g. penicillins and cephalosporins).

Certain drugs should not be used concurrently with such medications. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some drugs for another health problem in order to avoid unwanted serious effects. 

You should know about the following drug interactions in order to get rid of unwanted complications:

• Amoxicillin may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives
• It may increase the effect of anticoagulants.
• Increased risk of allergic reactions with allopurinol
• Increased and prolonged blood levels with probenecid
• Chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal effect of amoxicillin

Animal reproduction studies performed with amoxicillin have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Thus, this medicine can be used during pregnancy, if clearly needed.

Proper usage of Amoxicot requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Medicines should be used following the directions given by your doctor. 

The frequency of your daily drug administration and the duration of drug therapy depend on the particular medical problem for which you are taking the medicine. 

That’s why; the therapeutic dose may vary with patient’s condition or requirement. 250 mg to 500 mg amoxicillin is usually taken by mouth 8 or 12 hourly to treat susceptible infections.

You should take this medicine in time until the prescribed course is finished. If you miss any dose of this medicine, you should take it as soon as possible. 

But if it is time for your next dose, then you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular treatment schedule. You should store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. 

All kinds of medicines should be kept out of the reach of children. Outdated medicine must be disposed in an appropriate way.

Regular visits are recommended to make sure this medicine is working properly or not while you are receiving Amoxicot therapy. Although amoxicillin is well-tolerated, it should be used cautiously in patients with renal and hepatic disease. 

However, it is advised to continue amoxicillin therapy for 2 to 3 days after obtaining evidence of bacterial eradication. At least 10 days’ treatment is recommended in patients with an infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the development of acute rheumatic fever. 

Moreover, it has been reported that patients with mononucleosis develop erythematous skin rashes if treated with amoxicillin. Thus, this drug should not be given to the patients with mononucleosis.

There are some unwanted side-effects associated with Amoxicot that usually do not need medical attention. These side-effects usually go away during the treatment episode as your body adjusts to the medicine. 

The healthcare professional may advise you about the ways to prevent or reduce those unwanted side-effects. 

Sometimes you may need to consult with the doctor if you feel any of the following serious toxic effects: 

• Abdominal cramps
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Maculopapular rash
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Urticaria
• Hypersensitivity vasculitis
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anaemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leucopenia
• Agranulocytosis 

In addition, prolonged or repeated amoxicillin therapy may cause oral thrush or vaginal fungal infection. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice patches in your mouth or a change in vaginal discharge. 

Moreover, certain potentially fatal conditions (e.g. neuromascular hypersensitivity, pseudomembranous colitis) may occur, but rarely.