Uses of Amoxycillin

Amoxycillin is used to treat bacterial infections in pediatric patients caused by susceptible strains of gram positive and gram-negative bacteria that affects different parts of the body.

Therapeutic Category

Amoxycillin: Antibiotic

How Amoxycillin works

Amoxycillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of penicillin binding proteins which leads to activation of autolytic enzymes in bacterial cell wall resulting in lysis/destruction of bacterial cell wall thus preventing the spread of infection in affected children.

Common side effects of Amoxycillin

• skin rash
• diarrhoea
• nausea

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage\
• If you experience any signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• If you experience severe skin reactions
• If you experience signs of Dress (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) such as flu-like symptoms such as rash, fever, swollen glands, and abnormal blood test results (including increased white blood cells (eosinophilia) and liver enzymes)
• If you experience signs of blood disorders such as fever, chills, sore throat or other signs of an infection, or bruise easily
• If you experience signs of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (acute febrile reaction) such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and skin rash
• If you experience inflammation of the colon with diarrhoea (sometimes containing blood), pain and fever
• If you experience signs of serious (reversible) liver problems such as severe diarrhoea with bleeding, blisters/ redness/bruising of the skin, darker urine/paler stools, yellowing of the skin/the whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Health Tips for Amoxycillin

• Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, depending on your preference. However, taking it with food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset
• Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better, as stopping prematurely may lead to antibiotic resistance or a recurrence of the infection
• Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, leading to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues. Consuming probiotics or yogurt containing live cultures may help restore the gut flora
• While taking amoxicillin, it's best to avoid alcohol consumption, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic and increase the risk of side effects
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as amoxicillin may not be suitable during these stages. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks before prescribing the medication