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Amoxicillin belongs to the group of antibiotics – medicines that have a prescription. It is a derivative of penicillin and therefore has a wide range of action.
Amoxicillin – action
Amoxicillin has bactericidal properties. By inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, it prevents their development and multiplication.
Shows antibacterial activity against strains such as:
- Streptococcus spp., Including S. pneumoniae (also moderately susceptible strains if the infection is related to the respiratory system);
- Enterococcus spp. (E. faecium strains are often resistant), S. aureus and S. epidermidis – only penicillin-negative strains (about 90% of strains produce penicillinase);
- Listeria monocytogenes;
- E. coli (the percentage of resistant strains is about 40-60%);
- Shigella (resistant strains are present, ampicillin shows better activity);
- H. pylori (single resistant strains).
Amoxicillin – destiny
The indications for the administration of amoxicillin are:
- upper respiratory tract infections
- lower respiratory tract infections,
- inflammation of the genitourinary tract,
- skin and soft tissue infections,
- gastrointestinal infections.
In addition, amoxicillin can be administered in the treatment of oral cavity infections and as part of dental prophylaxis – after oral cavity procedures.
Amoxicillin – contraindications to use
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that should not be used in:
- hypersensitivity to the active substance or any component of the preparation.
In addition, it is not recommended to administer the drug to patients with suspected infectious mononucleosis.
Amoxicillin – warnings
Warnings about the use of drugs containing amoxicillin:
- careful history should be made of previous allergic reactions to penicillin antibiotics,
- caution should be exercised in patients with impaired renal function,
- in people with decreased urine volume, crystalluria may occur,
- the drug can be used during pregnancy if the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks.
Amoxicillin – drug interactions
Amoxicillin may interact with other medications. It is not recommended to use the preparation in parallel with:
- samplesecydem,
- anticoagulants,
- allopurinol,
- warfarin
- methotrexate.
In addition, amoxicillin has an antagonistic effect, e.g. with: tetracyclines, macrolides, sulfonamides. However, it works synergistically with aminoglycosides.
- Amoxicillin can be found in the preparations: Amotaks, Duomox, Ospamox, Taromentin.
Amoxicillin – side effects
Taking medications that contain amoxicillin may cause some side effects. Common side effects include skin rash, nausea, diarrhea. Urticaria, pruritus and vomiting are uncommon. Mucosal and skin candidiasis, transient thrombocytopenia and haemolytic anemia very rarely develop. Severe allergic reactions are possible.