Uses of Amoxil and side effects

Amoxil 500mg capsules

Uses of amoxil

Amoxil belongs to a group of penicillin antibiotic, which is used to treat infections which are caused by bacteria. It shows its activity by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the bacteria. Amoxil is also a drug of choice to treat infections of bacteria. It can treat various conditions like:

Urinary tract infection

Sinusitis

Otitis media

Upper respiratory tract infection 

Lower respiratory tract infection

Community-acquired pneumonia 

Salmonellosis 

Infections of the oral cavity

Lyme disease

Prophylaxis for anthrax exposure

Meningitis 

Endocarditis

H. Pylori infection

Skin infections 

Typhoid fever 

Parathyroid fever

Prosthetic joint infection 

Amoxil side effects:

The side effects of Amoxil are as follows:

Abdominal pain 

Vomit containing coffee grounds 

Blood in stool 

Constipation 

Black stools 

Acid reflux

Anemia 

Elevation of live enzymes

Diarrhea 

Serum sickness 

Rise of infections

Crystalluria 

Chemical composition

Amoxil contains an active ingredient called amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic. 

Amoxil composition

Amoxil contains amoxicillin which belongs to the group of penicillin, beta-lactam antibiotics. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria, thus making it difficult to survive. Antibiotics can only act against bacteria. They do not fight against viruses. Hence, they are used to treating bacterial infections. 

Available forms of Amoxil:

Amoxil is available in the following  forms, having the following strengths:

Constituting Powder for injection (needs to be reconstituted) as Amoxil injection in 250mg, 500mg, and 1g.

Oral suspension as 125mg , 250mg

Capsule form 250mg and 500mg

Amoxil suspensions and drops

Risks and warnings of Amoxil:

The following are the risks and warnings of using Amoxil:

1. Allergic to Amoxicillin 

If you have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, do not consume Amoxil or any other medicine with the same active ingredient, as it can result in a life-threatening condition which is called anaphylactic shock.

If you are sensitive to penicillin, you must avoid taking Amoxil as it can cause allergies. Always tell your healthcare provider about the allergies you have. 

2. Non-susceptible organisms

Amoxicillin should be prescribed to the patient only when the bacteria are sensitive to it. If not, it can cause antibiotic resistance, making it tough to treat infections next time. This generally  applies to urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear, and throat.

3. Seizures 

If you have a history of seizures or you have renal impairment, you must avoid the use of Amoxil as it can trigger seizures.

4. Kidney failure 

If your kidneys do not work properly, the healthcare provider may decrease the dose of the drug. It occurs because your kidneys require you to excrete the waste and toxins. If that does not occur, the toxins may develop in your body, leading to serious adverse effects. Therefore, you must aware your health care provider about your complete health condition.

5. Gastric ulcers

People having gastric ulcers and acidity must consume Amoxil with extreme caution because it affects your gastrointestinal tract. 

Also, it can cause ulceration in your stomach wall when taken for the long term. Your doctor may give a gastroprotective agent along with it.

6. Liver diseases

Patients suffering from liver disease should take Amoxicillin with caution. It is because your liver works in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work properly due to any disease, it can lead to accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to serious adverse effects. 

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, do not consume Amoxil unless your doctor prescribes it. Health of your baby can be affected. Nursing mothers should also consult with a healthcare provider before consuming it. 

8. Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders

If you are consuming anticoagulants for thinning of your blood, or you have any bleeding problems, consume Amoxil only on the advice of a healthcare provider. 

Storage conditions of Amoxil:

Keep the medication out of the reach and sight of children. 

Amoxil should be stored at room temperature.

Do not consume it after the mentioned date of expiry.

Interactions of Amoxil:

Amoxil belongs to a penicillin antibiotic. It may react with the following drugs. A drug interaction does not mean that you stop consuming the medicine on your own. But you must inform your healthcare provider about it. 

Probenecid

Blood thinners such as warfarin 

Allopurinol 

Oral birth control pills contain things such as estrogen and progesterone.

Other antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.

To avoid Amoxil interactions, you must tell the complete history of the healthcare provider about other health conditions you have and which medicines you are taking. At times, a dose adjustment can help prevent interaction of drugs.