Definition
Amoxicillin is a prescription broad-spectrum antibiotic (beta-lactam antibiotic) from the class of penicillins and is used to fight bacterial infections.
Fields of application
Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infections. It is also used as part of a multi-drug therapy to treat infections of the stomach caused by Helicobacter pylori. In addition to the treatment of newly occurring bacterial infections, Amoxicillin is also used for the prevention (prophylaxis) of bacterial infections, for example to protect against heart valve inflammation (endocarditis) in patients who are to undergo surgery.
Amoxicillin is also used to prevent bacterial infections in bite wounds, for example from dogs. Amoxicillin is not effective for all bacterial infections and especially not for viral infections, so it is particularly important not to take tablets that remain on their own if an infection is suspected, but always consult the doctor in charge before taking them! – of the ear (inflammation of the middle ear, also otitis media)
- Of the paranasal sinuses, maxillary sinuses and frontal sinuses (sinusitis)
- The upper and lower respiratory tract (pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis). – of the skin
- The urogenital tract (cystitis, urethritis)
- Of the gall bladder (cholecystitis).
Dosage and intake
Since amoxicillin is stable against gastric acid and can therefore pass through the stomach without damage, it is usually taken orally as a tablet, but can also be given as a juice or via an infusion. The general dose is 250 – 500 mg every eight hours or 500 – 800 mg twice daily. In addition, there are also retard tablets which release the active ingredient into the body over a longer period of time.
With the Amoxicillin Retard tablet it is sufficient to take one tablet (775 mg) a day. In general, Amoxicillin can be taken in different doses for different lengths of time, depending on the severity of the existing infections. By combining Amoxicillin with preparations such as clavulanic acid, the spectrum of action of Amoxicillin can be extended so that more bacteria can be attacked.
Before taking the drug, it is important to inform the attending physician about any amoxicillin or penicillin allergies that may be present, as well as about any other drugs taken at the same time, in order to avoid interactions and allergic reactions. In addition, the attending physician should be informed in case of known kidney disease, as amoxicillin is almost exclusively excreted via the kidney. If phenylketonuria is known as well as medication with blood thinners, discuss alternatives or a specially adapted treatment plan with the attending physician beforehand.
When taking Amoxicillin, it is important to take it at the same times every day and to distribute the times of taking it as far over the day as possible so that a constantly high level of the drug in the blood can be ensured. Only in this way can the bacterial infections be adequately combated. In addition, the consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided during treatment with amoxicillin.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken immediately, unless it is close to the next dose. In this case, the forgotten dose is not taken and you return to your normal medication schedule. Under no circumstances should you take two doses at once if you forget to take a dose.
It is also important that Amoxicillin is taken for the same length of time as prescribed by your doctor. Especially patients who have the feeling that they are no longer ill tend to stop taking the drug on their own and may relapse. If there are problems with taking tablets, the tablet can also be crushed and mixed into food or drink.
For patients with extensive swallowing difficulties, a juice can also be administered. While taking amoxicillin, it is important to tell other doctors, for example the dentist, about your current intake of the medicine. Furthermore, the attending physician must be informed about an existing pregnancy, current breastfeeding of an infant or an existing desire to have children, in order to adequately advise the patient about the advantages and disadvantages of taking Amoxicillin under these circumstances.
The juice form is particularly popular with children, as taking tablets in this form often causes problems. The juice is also well suited for adults when swallowing a tablet is not possible (e.g. after a stroke) or only with great difficulty. Amoxicillin is available either as a ready-made juice in various concentrations (5%/10%) or as a powder that has to be prepared to the finished solution.
In this case, the preparation must be carried out exactly according to the information in the package insert or from the pharmacist in order to obtain the correct dosage. Usually there is a mark on the bottle to which the bottle must be filled with tap water. After filling the bottle, it is shaken until there is no powder residue anywhere in the bottle.
Before each intake, the bottle should be shaken again to ensure an even distribution of the ingredient amoxicillin in the bottle. A measuring container or a dosing syringe is usually included in the package. The size of the pack is determined by the family doctor on the basis of body weight and other factors.
Since different manufacturers use different additives, the juices may differ in their own taste. If the taste of a preparation is perceived as unpleasant, the preparation of another manufacturer can simply be considered for a new prescription. Especially for children, if the intake of unpleasant tastes proves to be difficult, a change of preparation due to different tastes can often make it much easier to take.
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