Indication strengths of amoxicillin

Amoxicillin 500 is suitable for treating acute or chronic infections in various parts of the body. The number 500 describes here the milligram (mg) of the active substance contained; here 500mg of the antibiotically active substance Amoxicillin. Whether Amoxicillin 500 is sufficient depends on the severity of the infection, the age, weight and kidney function of the person affected.

The required dose is calculated from these factors and taken in several individual doses spread over the day. As with any antibiotic therapy, a prerequisite for the administration of amoxicillin is the sensitivity of the pathogen to the antibiotic, because not every pathogen can be treated with every antibiotic. Amoxicillin 500 is frequently used for infections of the ear, nose and throat area and the respiratory tract.

Particularly noteworthy are inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media), sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis or pneumonia. Other areas of application of Amoxicillin 500 are infections of the skin, soft tissues and bones. If Amoxicillin 500 is not sufficient in terms of potency, Amoxicillin 750 can be used.

Here 750 milligrams per tablet are now contained instead of 500 milligrams. The indications are almost identical to those of Amoxicillin 500 and include the above-mentioned diseases of the ear, nose, throat, respiratory tract, bones, soft tissue and skin as well as some very rare indications such as inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis). Amoxicillin 1000 is also used in the same way as Amoxicillin 500 & 750, but Amoxicillin 1000 has another exclusive application in the treatment of chronic gastritis caused by the germ Helicobacter pylori.

If this germ is detected during a gastroscopy, a treatment regimen (consisting of three drugs) specially developed for this germ is used. Amoxicillin 1000 is an integral part of this three-drug treatment for adults. Likewise, the intake of 3 x 1000mg Amoxicillin for one day can be used as the sole therapy for a urinary tract infection in women. Amoxicillin can also be used during pregnancy without hesitation.

Side effects of Amoxicillin

All drugs can cause side effects. In general, however, no side effects are often observed when treating with amoxicillin. Nevertheless, occasionally there may be a rumbling in the stomach, stomach pain or vomiting.

It is recommended that you eat many small meals, maintain good oral hygiene and chew sugar-free gum. If the discomfort occurs especially when taking the tablet, the tablet can be mixed with the food. In addition to vomiting, diarrhoea (diarrhoea) can also occur.

This can be controlled by eating yoghurt or other probiotic foods. In women, a fungal infection of the vagina can occur, which should be reported to the treating doctor or gynaecologist if itching or discharge occurs. In addition to the side effects already listed, there may also be side effects that require immediate contact with the treating doctor.

An unknown allergy to amoxicillin or penicillins in general may cause an allergic reaction to taking amoxicillin. In case of an allergic reaction a doctor should be consulted immediately. Skin rashes, swelling, redness and itching may occur.

In addition, in a few cases, severe shortness of breath and fever may occur, which can also be fatal due to anaphylactic shock and must therefore be treated immediately in the emergency room. Itching is a common side effect of amoxicillin. In terms of medication, this often means that up to 10 out of 100 people treated experience the side effect.

Often the itching is accompanied by a rash, which can manifest itself in the form of red spots or pustules. If the itching is not accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, which can be an indication of an allergy, it is usually harmless and subsides on its own after the end of the therapy. Even if it is harmless, the itching can be very distressing during this time.

So-called antihistamines can provide relief. These preparations are already known to most people against hay fever and are available in the medicine chest. Well-known representatives here are loratadine or cetirizine.

If none are available, they are available without prescription in the pharmacy. Even if the itching disappears under the medication with the antihistamines, it is recommended to consult the family doctor to report the side effects. If the vomiting or diarrhoea is particularly severe or persists even after stopping amoxicillin, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

In the case of newly occurring bruises (haematomas) and bleeding without identifiable external causes, a doctor should also be consulted immediately. In addition to the side effects already mentioned, a doctor should be consulted immediately if the following symptoms occur: Mental changes, insomnia, confusion, anxiety, increased sensitivity to light and sound and clouding of consciousness. As a rule, however, penicillins are not toxic to humans and can therefore normally be taken during pregnancy. When prescribing amoxicillin, it is important to inform the doctor treating you about all current medications. Side effects may occur with the following groups of drugs: Blood thinners (anticoagulants), allopurinol (for the treatment of gout), the pill, other antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment (methotrexate) and the typhoid vaccine.