Below we’ll discuss the uses, side effects, dosage, price, and other details about Amoxil, a widely used antibiotic.
Table of Contents
Amoxil capsule uses
Amoxil is a penicillin antibiotic, which is given to treat the infections caused by bacteria. It shows its action by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the bacteria. Amoxil is often a drug of choice to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat conditions like:
- Urinary tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Otitis media
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Salmonellosis
- Infections of the oral cavity
- Lyme disease
- Prophylaxis for anthrax exposure
- Meningitis
- Endocarditis
- H. Pylori infection
- Skin infections
- Typhoid fever
- Parathyroid fever
- Prosthetic joints infection
Amoxil side effects
The side effects of Amoxil can be as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit containing coffee grounds
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Black stools
- Acid reflux
- Anemia
- Elevation of live enzymes
- Diarrhea
- Serum sickness
- Rise of infections
- Crystalluria
Amoxil price in Pakistan
- The price of Amoxil capsule in Pakistan is Rs. 10.68 per capsule.
- The price of Amoxil syrup in Pakistan is Rs. 99.33 available in the form of a 125 mg suspension.
Chemical composition
The chemical composition of Amoxil is amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic.
Alternate brands
You can find Amoxil alternatives by the names of:
- Wymox
- Epimox
- Ospamox
Category
Amoxil is amoxicillin that belongs to the group of penicillin, beta-lactam antibiotics. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria, hence making it difficult to survive. Antibiotics can only fight against bacteria. They are not active against viruses. Therefore they are given to treat bacterial infections.
Available forms
Amoxil is available in various forms in the following strengths:
- Powder for injection (needs to be reconstituted) as Amoxil injection in 250mg, 500mg, and 1g.
- Oral suspension as 25mg per ml, 50mg per ml and 100mg per 1ml
- The powder as 3g
- A capsule of 250mg and 500mg
- Tablets as 500mg and 875 mg
Risks and warnings
Following are the risks and warnings of using Amoxil:
1. Allergic to Amoxicillin
If you are allergic to amoxicillin, do not take Amoxil or any other medicine with the same generic name, as it can result in a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
If you are allergic to penicillins, you must avoid the use of Amoxil as it can cause allergy. Always inform your healthcare provider about the documented allergies you have.
2. Non-susceptible organisms
Amoxicillin should be given to the patient only when the bacteria are sensitive to it. If not, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to treat infections next time. This mostly applies to urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear, and throat.
3. Seizures
If you have had a history of seizures or you have renal impairment, you must avoid the use of Amoxil as it can provoke seizures.
4. Kidney failure
If your kidneys do not work well, the healthcare provider may lower the dose of the drug. It happens because your kidneys are meant to excrete out the waste and toxins. If that does not happen, the toxins may build up in your body, leading to severe adverse effects. Therefore, you must inform your health care provider about your complete health condition.
5. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction happens when Amoxil is given to the patient with Lyme disease. It happens because of the release of endotoxins due to the death of bacteria.
6. Gastric ulcers
People suffering from gastric ulcers and acidity must take Amoxil with extreme caution because it affects your gastrointestinal tract.
Also, it can cause ulceration in your stomach lining when taken for the long term. Your doctor may prescribe a gastroprotective agent along with it.
7. Liver diseases
Patients with liver disease should take Amoxicillin with caution. It is because your liver helps in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work efficiently due to any disease, it can cause accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to severe adverse effects.
8. Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, do not take Amoxil unless your doctor advises it. It can affect the functioning of your baby’s health. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult with a healthcare provider before taking it.
9. Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders
If you are taking anticoagulants for thinning of your blood, or you have any bleeding disorder, take Amoxil only on the advice of a healthcare provider.
How to take Amoxil?
You can take Amoxil with or without food. But try to take it with food if taken by mouth as it may upset your stomach or cause gastric ulcers when taken on an empty stomach. Tell your doctor if you feel stomach pain or nausea, as it may be a sign of gastritis. Try to take it for the shortest possible time. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
You should take an Amoxil capsule or tablet with a glass of water. Swallow it whole. Follow the dose and frequency as advised by the doctor. Do not alter the dose and frequency, as it can lead to other problems.
Before stopping its use, you must consult with your doctor.
Amoxil dosage
For the people who are greater than three months, 500mg and 875mg after every eight hours or 250mg every twice a week.
Storage conditions
- Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store it at room temperature.
- Do not use it after the mentioned expiry date.
Interactions
Amoxil is a penicillin antibiotic. It may interact with the following drugs. A drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking the medicine on your own. But you must tell your healthcare provider about it.
- Probenecid
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Allopurinol
- Oral birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.
To avoid drug interactions, you must give a complete history to the healthcare provider about other health conditions you have and what medicines you have been taking. At times, a dose adjustment can help prevent drug interaction.
Prescription requirement
For buying Amoxil, you are required to have the latest prescription signed by your doctor.
