It is used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms
It prevents the bacterial growth and is used in the treatment of a number of infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, gonorrhea, and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin
Mechanism of Action
Acts by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls
It inhibits cross-linkage between the linear peptidoglycan polymer chains that make up a major component of the cell walls of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Dosage
Adult- The recommended dose range is 0.25 to 3gm
Child- The recommended dose is 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours
Side Effects
Fungal infections, severe allergic reactions, joint pain, or general ill feeling, severe tingling, sleeplessness, numbness and pain
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, antibiotic-associated colitis, black hairy tongue
Anaphylactic shock, redness of skin, skin inflammation, hives, inflammation of blood vessels, itching, severe blistering and peeling
Jaundice and liver inflammation
Crystals in urine, dark colored urine and vaginal itching or discharge
Anemia, decrease in white blood cells, platelets, increase in eosinophils and bruising
Tooth discoloration, hear burn, white patches or sores inside mouth or on lips, easy bruising and bleeding
Warnings/Precautions
Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, any allergy to any other penicillin antibiotic/cephalosporins, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding
It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication
Take full course of treatment
Avoid long-term use of this medication; otherwise it may cause secondary infection
Patient may experience stomach pain, severe diarrhea, blood in stool; if it so consult with your doctor
Monitor liver function, kidney function and complete blood cell counts regularly while taking this medication
Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective, therefore using a non-hormone method of birth control is recommended while on amoxicillin
