Amoxicillin: The Essential Life-Saving Antibiotic You Need

AMOXICILLIN

It is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This medication is a penicillin-type antibiotic. This works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

It treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as the common cold, or flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Amoxicillin is also used with other medications to treat stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori and to prevent the ulcers from returning.

Amoxicillin Generic

The Generic name of amoxicillin Amoxil

Amoxicillin brand name

Brand names: Amoxil, Trimox, Moxilin, Apo-Amoxi. Drug class(es)

Amoxicillin trade name

There are various brand names available for medicines containing amoxicillin

Amoxicillin uses

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 8 or 12 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.

Augmentin’s generic name

amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium is the generic name of Augmentin.

Augmentin Indication

These pills contain amoxicillin-clavulanate and are used for

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Skin and Skin Structure Infections
• Sinusitis
• Acute Bacterial Otitis Media
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Augmentin side effects

Some of the major side effects of augmentin: are allergic skin reactions, and diarrhea. Fever, joint pain, skin yellowing, easy tearing and bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, tooth discoloration, nausea or vomiting, muscle or joint pain, sleepiness, irregular heartbeat

Augmentin for tooth infection

Augmentin is a very effective antibiotic against certain types of bacteria which cause dental infections. It should only be used on the recommendation of a dentist.

Augmentin uses

You can take Augmentin with or without food. However, to avoid stomach upset, it is best to take this medicine at the beginning of a meal or breakfast

Ear infection

It is a combination antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and infections of the skin

Augmentin for UTI

Augmentin is FDA-approved for treating UTIs. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, It is not a first-choice antibiotic for UTIs. It should be used when other medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole cannot be used.

Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
• Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
• Tell your doctor right away if any of this rare but serious dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat, or fever.
• This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.
• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Amoxicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, get medical help right away if you develop any rash.

Precautions

• Before taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, or a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis).
• Amoxicillin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Amoxicillin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is methotrexate.

Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patches, or rings, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, and rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Amoxicillin may cause false-positive results with certain diabetic urine testing products (cupric sulfate-type). This drug may also affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call or go to the doctor. Symptoms of overdose may include severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, a severe decrease in the amount of urine, or seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor directs you to do so. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

With prolonged treatment, laboratory and medical tests (such as kidney and liver function, and complete blood counts) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature according to the product labeling, away from light and moisture. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.