Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is derived from penicillin and is used to treat bacterial diseases. What happens with this drug is that it prevents bacteria from forming cell walls, causing the death of this microorganism, this drug is absorbed by the small intestine and is discarded in the urine, without being metabolized. Remember that the use of this medicine must be under medical supervision . At FastlyHealwe explain the uses and side effects of amoxicillin .
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Amoxicillin uses
Generally, amoxicillin is indicated to treat infections caused by bacteria in different areas, in the case of the respiratory system it is used as a treatment for pneumonia and bronchitis, its use is also indicated to treat infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin and urinary tract, as is the case with gonorrhea .
It is also used to treat infections in the gastrointestinal tract, in combination with other medications to kill the H pylori bacteria that cause ulcers. This antibiotic belongs to the so-called “similar drugs” to penicillin, therefore they have no effect on viral processes such as flu or colds.
How to take amoxicillin?
The important thing when taking amoxicillin is to keep the treatment for the time that has been indicated by your doctor and not to stop it if you feel good, since it can make the bacteria become immune to the antibiotic. Amoxicillin comes in the form of pediatric capsules, tablets, or drops and is taken by mouth every 12 hours twice a day or every 8 hours three times a day, regardless of whether you are fasting. Do not use more or less than the dose established by the doctor.
In the case of the pediatric solution, you must shake it well and add the indicated dose, either on the child’s tongue or mix it in milk, juice, water or any other cold liquid and drink immediately. In case you forget to take amoxicillin, remember that you should not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot, if it is not yet time for the next one you can take it, otherwise skip it and follow the usual treatment.
Amoxicillin side effects
The most common side effects of amoxicillin treatments are:
- Digestive system : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Central nervous system : headaches, insomnia, confusion and seizures, although less common, especially in patients with kidney failure.
- Other infections : Long-term treatment with this medicine can cause oral and vaginal yeast infections .
- Hematological effects : they are not frequent and are associated with hypersensitivity of the components of the drug.
All these side effects of amoxicillin are reversible once treatment is stopped.
Contraindications of amoxicillin
There are several situations in which taking amoxicillin is contraindicated:
- If you are allergic to its components or suffer from asthma or hay fever.
- If you have kidney failure, your doctor will adjust the dose.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as amoxicillin is excreted in breast milk.
- It should be used with caution in patients with lymphatic leukemia, AIDS, and mononucleosis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Amoxicillin: uses and side effects , we recommend that you enter our Immune System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.