Category: Antibacterial
Introduction:
Amoxicillin is an antibacterial agent used to treat susceptible bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, urogenital tract, skin, skin texture, and lower respiratory tract.
Amoxicillin is used in conjunction with clavulanic acid to treat acute bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, acute bacterial otitis media, skin and skin structure infections, and infections. Amoxicillin can be given orally (tablets, capsules, suspension) or intravenously (by injection). Before taking this medicine, ask your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or other medicines that are similar to penicillin.
Uses:
How To Consume:
Take amoxicillin as prescribed by your doctor.
The dosage form and amount of the drug may vary for each infection. You can consume the medicine together (with food) or without food.
Absorption is more effective with food.
Oral suspensions are available and can be flavored with apple, banana cream, bubble gum, cherry, or watermelon flavors to increase appetite in the pediatric population (children).
The suspension should be refrigerated and shaken before administration to maximize its shelf life and effectiveness.
Duration Between Two Dose:
Take amoxicillin two to three times a day as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage form is divided into 1-3 g. The period between the two doses should be at least 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours.
Side Effects:
Some common side effects can be seen after taking Amoxicillin
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting,
• Abdominal Discomfort (Stomach pain)
• Loose Stools
• Hypersensitivity.
Drug Mechanism:
Amoxicillin, a penicillin derivative, is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. It binds to penicillin-binding protein (PBP) and causes bacterial destruction. Amoxicillin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and has been reported to be well distributed in various body fluids, but penetration into cerebrospinal fluid has been insufficient.
Safety Measures:
When to See Doctor:
• Severe Abdominal Cramps
• Bloody Diarrhoea
• Shortening Of Breath
• Swelling of face, lips, throat, tongue.
• Nausea
• Itchy Skin Rash
If conditions from this occur you should see the doctor or it can be hazardous for your health if not cured as soon as possible.
Allergic Reaction:
This drug can cause severe allergic reactions. Symptoms include:
Rash (5% to 10%)
Anaphylaxis
Hives
Common: allergy
Immediately go to the doctor if these symptoms occur.
Available Dosage Form:
Form:
1. Dispersible Tablet
Strengths: 125 mg, 250 mg
2. Capsule
Strengths: 250 mg, 500 mg
3. Suspension
Strengths: 125mg / 5 ml, 250 mg / 5 ml
4. Injections (Used immediately after preparation)
Strengths: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g solution
Child Dosage
Infants - Below 12 weeks
The dose should be30 mg amoxicillin/kg/day divided every 12 hours and 125 mg/5 ml for oral suspension
Ages 12 weeks or More
This patient should be given 20 to 40 mg amoxicillin/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours or 25 to 45 mg amoxicillin /kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours.
Adult Dosage-
The immediate-release formulation is 500mg every 8-12 hours, and the extended-release formulation is 2g every 12 hours.
Important Note:
Complete the entire course of treatment as directed by your doctor and do not miss any doses during treatment.
High doses of penicillin can cause seizures, which is of particular concern for patients with renal impairment.
Precautions when administering amoxicillin to nursing patients.
Discontinue the drug if symptoms of liver dysfunction occur.
Amoxicillin is considered harmless during pregnancy, but consult your doctor before use.
Patients with reduced kidney function (renal failure) should carefully follow their doctor's instructions.
Various Brands:
REFERENCE:
Book Of Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis Of Therapeutics (13th Edition)
Book Of Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology (9th Edition)
Book Of Essentials Of Medical Pharmacology – K D Tripathi (8th edition)
https://www.clinicalmicrobiologyandinfection.com/article/S1198-743X(19)30630-5/fulltext
Good Information and written wisely