Amoxicillin (Amoxicillin)
Overview of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is oral semisynthetic aminopenicillin similar to ampicillin. Amoxicillin is more stable to gastric acids and more bioavailable than other penicillins. It inhibits the 3rd and final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins PBPs that are located inside the bacterial cell wall and are responsible for several steps in the synthesis of the cell wall. Chemically Amoxicillin is D-(-)-a-amino-p-hydroxy-benzyl penicillin. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic and has bactericidal activity against many gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect. This is achieved by taking the drug at regular intervals of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Amoxicillin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the drug it may result in ineffective treatment.
Indication of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is primarily indicated in conditions like Abscesses, Acute bronchitis, Bacteriuria, Bronchitis, Carbuncles, Cellulitis, Chronic bronchitis, Cystitis, Dental abscess, Dental abscess (short-course), Endocarditis, Furunculosis, Gonorrhoea, Gynecological infections, Haemophilus influenzae infections, Helicobacter pylori eradication, Infected wounds, Inflammatory bowel disease, Lower respiratory tract infections, Meningitis, Metastatic, Metastatic colorectal cancer, Mild to moderate chronic heart failure, Muscle relaxation (short duration) for surgery, Muscle relaxation during intensive care, Muscle relaxation for surgery or intubation, Osteomyelitis, Otitis media, Parathyroid fever, Peritonitis, Pharyngitis, Pneumonia, Puerperal sepsis, Pyelonephritis, Septic abortion, Septicaemia, Sinusitis, Skin infections, Soft tissue infections, Surgical infections, Syphilis, Systemic infections, Tonsillitis, Typhoid, Urinary tract infection.
Contraindication of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is contraindicated in conditions like Lymphoma,Glandular fever.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Amoxicillin, which give rise to further complications include Pseudomembranous colitis, Thrombocytopenia, Stevens johnson syndrome, Nephrotic syndrome, Eosinophilia, Leucopenia, Neutropenia, Seizures, Agranulocytosis, Interstitial nephritis, Hemolysis, Platelet dysfunction.,Amoxicillin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylactic shock. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Amoxicillin therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Amoxicillin include Crystalluria, Hemorrhagic cystitis.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Amoxicillin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Fever, Abdominal pain, Maculopapular rash, Rashes, Gastritis, Indigestion, Urticarial skin rash, Pseudomembranous colitis, Elevation of liver enzymes, Nausea and vomiting, Cholestatic Jaundice, Hepatitis, Bullous rash, Arrhythmia.
Precautions of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin should be used with caution in patients with medical history especially kidney disease, stomach or intestinal problems, blood disorders or drug allergies, especially allergies to other penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. Do not use amoxicillin repeatedly or for prolonged period, because use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g.oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). Use with extreme caution during pregnancy or lactation.