Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic used to treat a of variety infections, most notably those in the ear, nose, and throat. This prescription can also be used to treat skin infections and those in the genitals or urinary tract. A dose of Amoxicillin has also shown effectiveness against gonorrhea. Amoxicillin has even been used in conjunction with other drugs to fight more serious infections or ulcers. If you have an infection of this type you should inform your doctor of any medical allergies you may have to help you avoid serious complications.
Indications of Amoxicillin
Your dosage of Amoxicillin will be determined by your doctor. The drug can be taken without food. It can also be mixed with liquids such as formula or juice to help children swallow it. If you are taking the chewable tablet, be sure to chew it thoroughly before swallowing. Given the antibacterial properties of Amoxicillin, you must take all doses instead of ceasing to take the drug once you feel better. This is the only way to ensure that the infection has been completely treated.
Common Side Effects of Amoxicillin
The most common Amoxicillin side effects associated with taking Amoxicillin are diarrhea and nausea. In most cases these are very minor, and also tend to become less severe as the body grows accustomed to the medication. More than 1 in 100 patients suffer some form of these symptoms while taking their prescription. If the effects are severe then inform your doctor.
An allergic reaction may also occur in those new to taking Amoxicillin, which may involve a skin rash or hives. Allergic reactions are significantly more common in those with glandular fever. Over 1 in 1000 patients have an allergic reaction, making these symptoms slightly less common. However, the chances of this reaction increase if you have other medical allergies, specifically those in the penicillin family. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop taking the medication immediately. You must seek medical attention as soon as possible to discuss these symptoms.
Uncommon and Rare Side Effects of Amoxicillin
If allergic reactions become severe they can lead to breathing difficulties. This may include tightness in the chest or swelling that adversely impacts breathing. These side effects may be preceded by severe itching. If you notice these side effects coming on then it may be necessary to get emergency medical intervention. Those who have previously suffered a minor allergic reaction to Amoxicillin should inform their doctor before taking the drug again. The likelihood of a serious reaction increases over time.
Other uncommon Amoxicillin side effects include vomiting or more serious digestive distress. In some cases, pairing the medication with a gentle beverage like ginger ale or milk can help alleviate these issues. If vomiting is so severe that you cannot keep your medication down then you will need to inform your doctor. They can prescribe another medication that may sit more effectively in your system.
In extremely rare cases, serious issues such as blood clotting, colitis, convulsions, jaundice, or convulsions have occurred. This medication may also affect certain medical examinations. Though these reactions are highly unlikely, they should be taken very seriously. They are more likely to occur if the medication is taken frequently over time. Discuss your sensitivity to these types of diseases with your doctor so that you know how careful you need to be.
Side Effects in Seniors, Pregnant Women, and Children
Seniors experience an increased risk of becoming confused or dizzy when taking Amoxicillin. In most cases, these side effects were not severe or life threatening. It should also be noted that most side effects are more serious in elderly patients. They have a much greater likelihood of experiencing severe complications. The use of Amoxicillin in elderly patients should be carefully monitored to prevent these occurrences. Taking the drug in a pill form rather than in liquid form has eliminated the severity of these side effects in many cases.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not limited in their intake of Amoxicillin. There are no studies showing that the drug increases the likelihood of birth defects. Most doctors avoid prescribing the drug to pregnant mothers unless the benefit outweighs any potential risk, but this is only a precaution. Women who are breastfeeding will transfer trace amounts of the drug to their infants, so they will need to watch their infant carefully for any potential side effects. If you have a history of medical allergies in your family then you will need to be particularly cautious in this situation.
The dose of Amoxicillin will need to be adjusted for children, but there is no risk associated with using it to treat younger patients. However, it should be noted that there have been cases in which children overdosed on the product because of the pleasant taste associated with some of its liquid forms. Poison control must immediately be contacted if you suspect overdose. Your child will probably require that his or her stomach be pumped if they ingested a very large amount of Amoxicillin in one sitting.
Interactions with other Medications and Substances
There are no limitations on food or beverages that are taken with Amoxicillin. The drug is commonly paired with other medications to treat certain types of infections. You should always inform your doctor of any allergies or medications before you start your prescription. In some cases, pairing Amoxicillin with other drugs you are allergic to may increase the severity of allergic reactions. Watch out for swelling, hives, or itching, particularly if these symptoms are making it difficult for the patient to breathe. Amoxicillin can also affect conditions such as ulcers which can lead to more serious side effects.