Brand names and other names:
Amoxil®, amoxicillin, Austell-Amoxicillin®, Moxypen®, Mymox®.
Definition
Amoxicillin is a Penicillin antibiotic that belongs to a class of broad spectrum antibiotics. It is effective against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Amoxicillin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis of the bacteria and thus killing it.
Indications of Amoxicillin
- Ear, Nose and Throat infections
- Pneumonia
- Lower Respiratory tract infections
- Typhoid fever
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Dental abscess
- Peptic Ulcer Disease due to H.pylori infection
- Gonorrhoea
- Lyme disease
Dosage
Adult dose:
Amoxicillin Oral, 500mg 8 hourly. It can be increased to 1g 8 hourly for severe infections. Minimum duration is 5-7 days.
When renal impairment is present: dose should be reduced 500mg once daily if GFR<10ml/min.
For Pharyngitis caused by group A streptococci: 500mg twice daily or 1g once daily for 10 days.
Paediatric Dose
Neonates: 10-25mg/kg/dose 8 hourly. For severe infections, you can give 50mg/kg 12 hourly in the first week of life.
Children below 20kg: give 25-30mg/kg 8 hourly OR give 45mg/kg 12 hourly.
Children above 20kg can be given adult dose.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Maculopapular rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Antibiotic-associated colitis
- Hepatitis
Special Population
Pregnancy: Amoxicillin is safe to use if you are pregnant, studies show no risk of harm to fetus development.
Breastfeeding: amoxicillin is excreted in breast milk in small quantities. Breastfeeding infant might get side effects from it such as diarrhea. Benefits should be weighed against risks before prescribing.
Drug interactions
Oral Contraceptives: May decrease efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
Probenecid: Concomitant use cause reduced clearance rate of amoxicillin.
Less significant interactions:
- Warfarin
- Allopurinol
- Methotraxate
Preparations
Syrup: 125mg/ml, and 250mg/5ml.
Capsules: 250mg, and 500mg.