Name Amoxicillin
Classes Antiinfective Agent
Antibiotic
Penicillin
Diseases Coughing
Ear Drainage
Fast Breath
Fever
Gonorrhea
H. pylori Infection
Infectious Disease
Painful Tonsil
Sore Throat
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum semi synthetic penicillin antibiotic. It is effective against both gram positive and gram negative strains of bacteria. It kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.

Amoxicillin is indicated for the following diseases-

  • Infections of the Ear, Nose, and Throat
  • Infections of the Genitourinary Tract
  • Infections of the Skin and Skin Structure
  • Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract
  • Helicobacter pylori Infection

Amoxicillin is available as capsules, oral drops, injection and powder for suspension.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

  • Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
  • Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
  • Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
  • Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
  • Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
  • Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
  • In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

The side effects of amoxicillin is usually mild. The most common side effects are-

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Pseudomembranous colitis

 

  • Some patients may show hypersensitivity reactions to ampicillin. In such cases treatment should be stopped immediately.
  • Superinfection of resistant organisms like C.difficile may occur.
  • Dosage should be adjusted for renally impaired patients.

Contraindication

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the beta lactam class of antibiotics, such as-

There is no known contraindications of amoxicillin in terms of food & drinks.