Duomox – an antibiotic for bacterial infections. When should it be used?

Proven content

Duomox is a broad-acting antibiotic used in the general treatment of bacterial infections. It is mainly used in the treatment of lung diseases and in dermatology. Its basic ingredient is amoxicillin, which is a beta-lactam antibiotic. Duomox is a drug that is available only on prescription issued by a doctor after diagnosing an infection with bacteria sensitive to the active substance of the drug. What is the composition and how does the Duomox antibiotic work? What are the indications and contraindications to its use and what side effects can it cause? How does it affect the course of pregnancy and can it be used during lactation? How to take it and with what drugs not to combine it?

Duomox – general characteristics of the drug

Duomox with the international name Amoxicillinum is a preparation whose basic ingredient is amoxicillin. It is a beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group.

The drug is used to fight general infections, most often in lung diseases and in dermatology.

Duomox is prescribed by a prescription to a specific person and must not be passed on to other patients as it may harm another person, even though the symptoms of the disease are the same.

It is presented as white to almost white, oblong tablets with the logo and the marking 232 (250 mg), 233 (375 mg), 234 (500 mg), 235 (750 mg) or 236 (1 g) on ​​one side and a score line on the other side. The score line makes it easier to break the medicine for ease of swallowing or dissolving, and not to divide the tablet into two equal doses.

Duomox comes in aluminum / PVC blisters in a cardboard box and each pack contains 20 tablets with 5 possible dose sizes: 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 g.

The price of the Duomox antibiotic it is not refundable and its price depends on the size of the dose and ranges from PLN 8 for a package of 20 tablets with a dose of 250 mg to PLN 18 for a package of 20 tablets with a dose of 1 g. Keep the drug out of the sight and reach of children, at a temperature of 15 ° C- 25 ° C in the original packaging.

The manufacturer and the responsible entity is Astellas Pharma Sp. z o. o. which is a regional branch of Astellas Pharma Inc with headquarters in Tokyo.

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Duomox – composition and action of the drug

Duomox is a preparation that fights bacteria, and its action is based on blocking the biosynthesis of their cell wall.

The active substance of the drug is amoxicillin, which is a semi-synthetic penicillin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.

Usually susceptible organisms are aerobic Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes, and β-haemolytic streptococci from groups A, B, C and G.

Other species that Duomox can combat are: Borrelia burgdorferi, Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium spp., Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Pasteurella multocida, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphocecus spp. viridans groups, coagulase negative staphylococci.

One tablet of Duomox contains 250 mg, 375 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg or 1 g of amoxicillin as amoxicillin trihydrate.

The mode of action of a drug is related to the chemical structure of amoxicillin, which has a beta-lactam ring in the molecule. This ring is sensitive to the action of enzymes from the beta-lactase group, which are responsible for the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is a building block of the bacterial cell wall.

The mechanism of the antibiotic’s action is to inhibit the synthesis of this wall, which weakens it and, consequently, leads to the death of the bacterial cell. The active substance is rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration.

The other ingredients with auxiliary functions are: microcrystalline cellulose (E466), dispersive cellulose and sodium carmellose (E460), crospovidone (E1201), vanillin, lemon flavor, mandarin flavor, saccharin (E954) and magnesium stearate (E470b).

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Duomox – indications for use

Duomox is an antibiotic intended for use in adults and children over 2 years of age. It is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria susceptible to amoxicillin.

Duomox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat:

1. upper and lower respiratory tract infections (alpha- and beta-hemolytic streptococci, S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp. and H. influenzae, not producing penicillinases);
2. urinary tract infections (E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. faecalis);
3. gastrointestinal infections (H. pylori, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp.);
4. skin and soft tissue infections (alpha and beta-haemolytic streptococci, non-penicillinase producing, Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli);
5. Acute and uncomplicated gonorrhea (N. gonorrhoeae).

Duomox is prescribed by a doctor and indicated for use in cases of:

1. acute bacterial sinusitis;
2. acute streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
3. community-acquired pneumonia;
4. exacerbation states of chronic bronchitis;
5. acute otitis media;
6. acute cystitis;
7. acute pyelonephritis;
8. asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy;
9. typhoid and paratyphoid;
10. gastrointestinal infections;
11. skin and soft tissue infections;
12. periodontal abscess with spreading cellulitis;
13. Lyme disease (Lyme disease);
14. eradykacji Helicobacter pylori;
15. joint prosthesis infections;
16. the prevention of endocarditis.

When using Duomox, you should pay attention to whether the body is resistant to the action of this antibiotic and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the proper use of the antibacterial drug.

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Duomox – contraindications to the use of the drug

The Duomox antibiotic, although there are indications for its use, may not always be used in every patient.

The main contraindication to the use of this drug is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergy to the active substance – amoxicillin, other penicillins or other substances present in the composition.

Contraindications to the use of Duomox also include certain diseases and circumstances that may require you to completely abandon the drug or change the dosage of the preparation.

The use of Duomox may require specific check-ups and a careful medical history.

Contraindication to the use of Duomox is a history of jaundice or liver dysfunction after taking amoxicillin or clavulanic acid, and an anaphylactic reaction to another β-lactam drug, e.g. cephalosporin, monobactam or carbapenem. In the case of the above circumstances or if you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking an antibiotic.

What bacterial diseases are most often diagnosed? Check: The most common bacterial diseases – overview and characteristics

Duomox – side effects

Duomox, like any antibiotic, can cause side effects that do not have to occur in every person using this medicine. After authorization of the medicinal product, it is important to report any suspected adverse reactions so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The general classification of the frequency of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare ( ≥100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The side effects are usually mild and transient, and the expected benefits of the drug are usually greater than the harm resulting from the side effects.

Side effects may appear while taking, but also up to several weeks after discontinuing the drug.

The most common side effect is the risk of superinfection with resistant bacteria or yeasts during long-term use of the antibiotic. Other side effects that may occur are:

1. often or not very often: nausea, diarrhea, skin rash (including around the mouth), itching, hives on forearms, legs, hands, hands or feet (if you experience hives immediately after starting treatment, this indicates an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical consultation), loss of appetite, flatulence, dry mouth, dysgeusia, slight and transient increases in liver enzymes, measles-like rash;
2. rarely: haemolytic anemia, eosinophilia, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, acute interstitial nephritis, crystals in the urine (crystalluria), drug fever, angioedema (possible swelling of the mouth, tongue, pharynx and larynx, obstructing breathing), anaphylactic shock, and also severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, bullous exfoliative dermatitis, acute generalized pustular eruption, erythema multiforme exudative, serum sickness, allergic vasculitis), pseudomembranous colitis, hemorrhagic colitis, erythema multiforme;
3. very rarely: dizziness, agitation, hypermobility, convulsions (in case of kidney problems, high doses of the drug, in epilepsy and patients with meningitis), yeast infections (candidiasis) of the skin and mucous membranes, haematological disorders such as anemia , thrombocytopenia, leukopenia / neutropenia / agranulocytosis (decreased number of white blood cells, i.e. persistent diarrhea during or after treatment), black hairy tongue.
4. frequency impossible to define: an allergic reaction with chest pain known as Kounis syndrome or acute allergic coronary syndrome. Chest symptoms include chest discomfort, pressure, heaviness, tightness, squeezing or pain, may also include loss of breath, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, rapid pulse, increase in blood pressure, feeling tired, weakness, loss of consciousness, fainting, aseptic meningitis with symptoms of body aches, stiffness and neck pain, fever, chills, convulsions, persistent headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, sensitivity to light or photophobia, confusion.

If you notice any of the above or other symptoms during or after the treatment with Duomox antibiotic, please inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product.

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Duomox – dosage and use

Duomox is a drug for oral use. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined individually, taking into account the type of infection, age and weight of the patient.

For adults and children weighing 40 kg or more, Duomox is administered:

1. in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy, acute pyelonephritis, periodontal abscess with spreading cellulitis, acute cystitis 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours or 750 mg to 1 g every 12 hours for severe infections 750 mg to 1 g every 8 hours;
2. in the treatment of acute cystitis, the recommended dose is 3 g administered twice daily for 2 day;
3. for the treatment of acute otitis media, acute streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis, acute chronic bronchitis, the recommended dose is 500 mg every 8 hours or 750 mg to 1 g every 12 hours in severe infections 50 mg to 1 g 8 hours for 10 days;
4. in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, an infection associated with joint replacement, a dose of 500 mg to 1 g is used every 8 hours;
5. for the treatment of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, the recommended dose is 500 mg to 2 g every 8 hours;
6. in the prevention of endocarditis, 2 g orally in a single dose is recommended 30-60 minutes before the procedure;
7. in Helicobacter pylori eradication, a dose of 750 mg to 1 g is used twice daily in combination with a proton pump inhibitor (e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole) and another antibacterial drug (e.g. clarithromycin, metronidazole) for 2 days;
8. in the treatment of Lyme disease in the earlier form, a dose of 500 mg to 1 g is used every 8 hours up to a maximum dose of 4 g per day in divided doses for 14 days, in the late form in a dose from 500 mg to 2 g, every 8 hours up to a maximum dose of 6 g per day in divided doses for 10 to 30 days.

Duomox can also be used in children over 2 years of age weighing less than 40 kg. The dose is usually calculated on the basis of body weight and is usually between 40 and 90 mg per kg of body weight per day in an interval of 2 or 3 doses. In this group of patients, doses are often also dependent on the infection, and the following are usually used:

1. in the treatment of acute sinusitis, acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, acute cystitis, acute pyelonephritis, periodontal abscess with spreading cellulitis, in this group of patients a dose of 20 to 90 mg per kg body weight is used per a day in divided doses;
2. for the treatment of acute streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis, the recommended dose is 40 to 90 mg per kg body weight per day in divided doses;
3. for the treatment of typhoid and paratyphoid fever, the dose is 100 mg per kg of body weight per day in 3 divided doses;
4. for the prevention of endocarditis at a dose of 50 mg per kg of body weight, 30-60 minutes before surgery;
5. in the treatment of early Lyme disease, a dose of 25-50 mg per kg body weight per day in 3 divided doses, for 10-21 days and in the late form – 100 mg per kg body weight per day in 3 divided doses for 10 to 30 days.

Duration of treatment with Duomox antibiotic it depends on the type of infection you have and how you respond to treatment. Usually, it is recommended that for mild to moderate infections, treatment duration is at least 5 to 7 days, for streptococcal infections, at least 10 days, and for severe or chronic infections, it is recommended that treatment with Duomox is completed 3 to 4 days after treatment. symptoms disappear.

You must not discontinue the drug yourself before the end of the treatment, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

The preparation can be taken regardless of meals. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water or place it in a glass of water until completely mixed. For easier application, it can be divided into 2 halves in the place of a visible recess.

Duomox should be used as prescribed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended doses, as this will not increase the effectiveness of the drug and may harm your health and life.

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Duomox – effect on pregnancy and lactation

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking any medication to explain all the potential risks and benefits of any medication.

It is recommended that in the event that a woman is pregnant, suspects that she may be pregnant or is planning to have a child, she should inform the prescribing physician about this fact.

Data from a large number of exposed pregnancies indicate that amoxicillin is neither malformative nor foetotoxic.

Duomox in pregnant women may be used only when, in the opinion of the doctor, it is absolutely necessary and in the opinion of the doctor, the expected benefits clearly outweigh the possible risks.

The active substance of the antibiotic, i.e. amoxicillin, passes into breast milk in small amounts. There is no information about the effect of the substance on the newborn. However, your child may develop diarrhea, a fungal infection in the mouth and an allergic reaction. Therefore, before using an antibiotic, you should consult a doctor who, after considering the expected benefits and possible risks, may allow you to breastfeed.

If disturbing symptoms appear in a newborn baby, breast-feeding should be discontinued immediately and a doctor should be consulted. Animal fertility and reproductive studies with Duomox have not shown any relationship, so there are no data to suggest an effect on human fertility.

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Duomox – interactions with other drugs

The initiation of treatment with the use of Duomox antibiotic requires a detailed history of all currently and recently taken medications, including over-the-counter medications.

The use of certain drugs at the same time as Duomox can cause serious side effects. Before taking the drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you are taking or have recently taken, and about any drugs you plan to start taking.

A patient undergoing treatment with Duomox requires regular monitoring and checking of coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time. Duomox should not be used in parallel with:

1. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, which increase the risk of long-term blood levels of amoxicillin, i.e. it prolongs the action of the antibiotic;
2. allopurinol, which increases the risk of skin allergic reactions;
3. tetracyclines and other bacteriostatic drugs (macrolides or chloramphenicol) that affect the effectiveness of amoxicillin;
4. phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, indomethacin- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat inflammation and pain;
5. acetylsalicylic acid – an analgesic, antipyretic and anticoagulant (used to prevent the formation of blood clots in the vessels, e.g. in cardiovascular diseases);
6. digoxin – used to treat certain heart conditions;
7. methotrexate, as amoxicillin increases its toxicity.

In addition, it is recommended to exercise particular caution when using Duomox in parallel with:

1. coumarin anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol), which may prolong bleeding time, therefore it is recommended that the prothrombin time or the INR value be checked regularly; close monitoring of these parameters is necessary after initiation and after discontinuation of amoxicillin therapy. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage of the anticoagulants;
2. oral hormonal contraceptivesas amoxicillin may reduce their effectiveness and may persist over time.

In addition, the use of Duomox may affect the results of laboratory tests. High levels of amoxicillin in the urine often cause false-positive results in the determination of glucose in the urine by some methods.

In addition, Duomox may reduce the concentration of estriol in the urine of pregnant women and may interfere with the determination of protein by colorimetry. Therefore, please inform your doctor or nurse that you are taking amoxicillin before carrying out these tests.

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