Amoxicillin is a bactericidal antibiotic derived broad-spectrum semisynthetic penicillin.
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid In combination, are used in the treatment of some infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or gonorrhea And infections in the nose, throat, ears, urinary tract or skin. Amoxicillin is used to combat a broad spectrum of microorganisms, both Gram positive and Gram negative. Usually one of the first remedies used for infections that can be effective, and proceeds in both human and veterinary.
Indications, presentation and use of amoxicillin
The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can be found in the form of tablets or chewables. The tablets should be taken with water, while the chewable must be chewed thoroughly before being eaten. Another presentation of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is a liquid that is ingested orally.
It is advisable to take amoxicillin and clavulanic acid with meals 3 times a day, every 8 hours or 2 times every 12 hours. Never exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor or take it more or less time than prescribed. Stop taking the medication before the end of the prescribed time can cause bacteria to become resistant to it. The presentation, for the tablets is 250 mg. and 500 mg. Although they contain the same amount of clavulanic acid should not be substituted for each other. The chewable tablet and 250 mg. and 500 mg. contain different amounts of clavulanic acid and should not substitute for each other.
Other uses of amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is also used for other infections, such as infection carbuncle in the skin and to prevent infection of this disease when exposed to it. It is also effective for treating infections Chlamydia during pregnancy. In combination with other medications used to treat Lyme disease and to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Amoxicillin may be prescribed for other diseases, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
Amoxicillin in pregnancy and lactation
It has been shown that taking amoxicillin have any negative impact with respect to pregnancy, however, because neither has established criteria to determine absolute safety with regard to the taking of the same, it is advised that should only be prescribed amoxicillin when the benefits outweigh the potential risks of their intake. On the other hand, if it is shown that amoxicillin is excreted in small amounts in breast milk, why, as in the case of pregnancy, should take the same precautions.
Side effects and contraindications for amoxicillin
Allergic reactions may occur to penicillins or cephalosporins in a not very high percentage of the population, which is also hardly significant. In patients with infectious mononucleosis rash may occur with the use of amoxicillin, though not considered that this contraindication precludes the use of this medicine in the future.
It may happen that during treatment superinfection occurs due to bacterial or fungal pathogens. In this case should be discontinued administration of amoxicillin.
In general, side effects are due to adverse reactions that are limited to hypersensitivity to the drug, and in patients with asthma, allergies, hay fever or hives. Also been reported pseudomembranous colitis with severity ranging from medium to, in some cases life threatening. It is therefore very important to consider this diagnosis when patients present with episodes of diarrhea after drug administration. Other adverse effects have been observed with amoxicillin ranging from upset stomach, vomiting, itching, difficulty swallowing or chewing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual breathing that can be seen in wheezing or itching and vaginal discharge.