Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of penicillins and is used to treat various bacterial infections. The dosage depends, among other things, on the weight of the person affected and the type and location of the infection. As with other medications, taking amoxicillin can cause side effects: Among the most common side effects are discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. Amoxicillin should not be taken with alcohol or during pregnancy.
Antibiotic amoxicillin
The active ingredient amoxicillin ensures in the body that bacteria cannot develop a protective outer shell during their growth phase. As a result, the bacteria die after a short time. The antibiotic is used primarily to treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary and biliary tracts. However, it is also used for the following conditions:
- Respiratory infections such as pneumonia or tonsillitis.
- Inflammations of the ear, nose and throat area such as middle ear and sinusitis
- Inflammations of the bones
- Blood poisoning
In some cases, amoxicillin is also prescribed for infections of the skin. However, in addition to the treatment of bacterial infections, the antibiotic is also used for their prevention: During some surgeries, people with certain heart conditions are given amoxicillin as a preventive measure. This is to prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream during surgery and potentially causing inflammation of the heart.
Side effects of amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is usually well tolerated. Because the active ingredient is absorbed relatively quickly from the intestines into the body, the intestinal flora is spared more than with other antibiotics. Nevertheless, side effects can occur when taking the drug. Side effects in the stomach and intestines are particularly common: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, flatulence or diarrhea may occur. If persistent diarrhea occurs during or after therapy, an intestinal inflammation triggered by amoxicillin may be the cause. In such a case, the medication should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted. Treatment is then usually continued with another antibiotic. Diarrhea and vomiting also reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic, since the body cannot absorb the entire dose through the intestines. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, side effects such as itching and skin rashes, dry mouth, and fever are also common. Occasionally, taking amoxicillin can also cause kidney inflammation, swelling of the larynx, angioedema and changes in the blood count. Only very rarely, on the other hand, side effects such as severe skin rashes, water retention in the tissues, or peeling redness, which can lead to loss of hair and fingernails, occur.
Dosage of amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is usually given as tablets, effervescent tablets, or dry juice. However, the antibiotic can also be injected: This is always necessary when the administration of juice or tablets is not sufficient, for example, in the case of meningitis or blood poisoning. Amoxicillin is available in various dosages: Tablets with 250, 500, 750 or 1000 milligrams are available in pharmacies. The exact dosage of amoxicillin should always be clarified with the attending physician. It is best to take the antibiotic with a meal, as it is then better tolerated but its effect is not impaired. As a rule, amoxicillin is taken over a period of seven to ten days. The dosage of the antibiotic depends, among other things, on the age and weight of the person as well as the location, type and severity of the infection. It is important to keep the active substance level in the blood as constant as possible: If amoxicillin is taken twice a day, the time intervals between doses should be twelve hours, and eight hours if it is taken three times a day. Depending on the disease, adults receive between 1,500 and 3,000 milligrams of amoxicillin daily. Children weighing less than 40 kilograms should receive between 50 and 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight daily, but not more than 2,000 milligrams. The exact dosage should be coordinated with the treating physician, just as in adults. In children, careful oral hygiene is particularly important during intake, as otherwise tooth discoloration may occur.
Amoxicillin and alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided while taking amoxicillin – as well as any other antibiotic. Even though package inserts do not always explicitly warn of the interactions, side effects can occur from consuming alcohol while taking an antibiotic. Many antibiotics – just like alcohol – are broken down by the liver. Since the liver is primarily occupied with breaking down the antibiotic while it is being taken, alcohol usually has a faster and more severe effect. However, alcohol also impedes the breakdown of amoxicillin. The active substance can therefore no longer be broken down quickly enough, but accumulates in the liver. This can lead to damage to the organ. Amoxicillin, on the other hand, is largely excreted by the kidneys. Nevertheless, alcohol consumption is not advisable while taking amoxicillin. This is because the body is already weakened due to the bacterial infection – alcohol puts an additional strain on it. In addition, the side effects of amoxicillin can impair reaction times and thus the ability to operate machinery and drive. In interaction with alcohol, this effect is further intensified.
Amoxicillin during pregnancy
Amoxicillin should be used during pregnancy only if the treating physician specifically recommends taking the drug. To date, the antibiotic has not shown harmful effects on the unborn child in animal studies or in the treatment of humans. In a single study, however, an increased risk of intestinal inflammation was found in newborn children. Amoxicillin should also be taken during breastfeeding only after a detailed risk-benefit assessment. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and can thus cause damage to the child’s intestinal flora. Therefore, it is recommended to wean before taking the antibiotic.
Amoxicillin: interactions and contraindications.
If there is a disorder of liver or kidney function, amoxicillin may be taken only in appropriately lower doses. In addition, organ function and blood count must be monitored at regular intervals while taking the antibiotic. This applies in particular to long-term use of amoxicillin. In women taking the contraceptive pill, amoxicillin can reduce absorption from the intestine and thus reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Therefore, for safe pregnancy protection, the additional use of a non-hormonal contraceptive is necessary. Antibiotics that inhibit the growth of bacteria must not be taken at the same time as amoxicillin, as the two antibiotics may otherwise interfere with each other’s effect. Certain gout medications may increase the effect of amoxicillin, while diuretics may decrease it. Amoxicillin itself may increase the effect of certain anticoagulants and cardiac glycosides. If you are taking any of these medications, be sure to tell your doctor. As with all other penicillins, taking amoxicillin may cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylactic shock. Therefore, the antibiotic must not be taken in case of penicillin hypersensitivity. Such hypersensitivity is particularly common in allergic and asthmatic patients. However, the risk of an allergic reaction is also increased in people who simultaneously suffer from a viral infection (for example, glandular fever) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
