Amoxil (amoxicillin)
Amoxil is an antibiotic which is used to fight the bacteria. This penicillin antibiotic may be used to treat a variety of infections which are caused by bacteria like bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, gonorrhoea, & infections of the nose, throat, ear, skin or urinary tract. Amoxil is sometimes also used with other antibiotic like clarithromycin (Biaxin) for the treatment of stomach ulcers caused due to Helicobacter pylori infection.
Dosage
The dosage of Amoxil (amoxicillin) will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the infection being treated, the patient's age and weight, and other medical conditions they may have.
The usual recommended dose for adults is 250 to 500 milligrams taken every 8 hours or 500 to 875 milligrams taken every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. The maximum daily dose for adults is 6 grams.
For children, the dosage of Amoxil is based on their weight. The usual dose is 20 to 45 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses.
It's important to take Amoxil as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. This will help ensure that the infection is fully treated and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Composition
Amoxil which includes the active ingredient amoxicillin, is a semisynthetic antibiotic, which is an analogto ampicillin, does a broad scale of bactericidal action against several Gram-negative microorganisms and Gram-positive .
A capsule of amoxil, having a pink opaque body & a royal blue coloured opaque cap contains 250 or 500 mg of amoxicillin as trihydrate. The cap &the body of both the types of capsules is printed with the medicine name and the brand. Along with its active ingredient strength. Inactive ingredients for Amoxil includes D&C Red Number 28, FD&C Red number 40, FD&C Blue number 1, titanium dioxide, gelatine and magnesium stearate.
A tablet of Amoxil, having a film coated pink coloured tablet may be of 500 or 875 mg amoxicillin as trihydrate. This capsule shaped tablet is debossed with Amoxil and the brand name along with the strength of the active ingredient. The Inactive ingredients for Amoxil tablets include Colloidal silicon dioxide, FD &C Red number 30 Aluminum Lake, crospovidone,hypromellose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose & sodium starch glycolate.
Powder of Amozil for Oral Suspension needs to be suspended in water and each 5 millilitre of reconstituted suspension has around 125 milligram, 200 milligram, 250 milligram or 400 milligram amoxicillin as atrihydrate with 0.11 mEq, 0.15 mEq, 0.15 mEq and 0.19 mEq of sodium respectively. The Inactive ingredients of amoxil include FD&C Red number 3, silica gel, flavorings, sodium benzoate, sucrose, sodium citrate and xanthan gum.
Uses
Amoxicillin is used for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria which include infections of the ear, tonsils, larynx, throat, bronchi (bronchitis), skin, urinary tract and lungs (pneumonia). This medication is also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea
Side Effects
The side effects of Amoxil include:
- difficulty in breathing
- swelling on the face
- bloody diarrhea
- fever
- swollen gums
- painful mouth sores
- pain when swallowing
- cold
- flu
- skin sores
- swollen glands
- rash or itching
- weakness
- joint pain
- paling or yellowing of skin or eyes
- dark coloured urine
- fever
- confusion
- bleeding from the nose
Contraindications
Amoxil should not be used by people allergic to ampicillin, dicloxacillin, penicillin, oxacillinor ticarcillin.
Pregnancy
Amoxil is safe to be taken during pregnancy. However, small amount of amoxicillin may get excreted in the breast milk which may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in case of nursing infants. Amoxicillin is considered safe for use during breastfeeding and may be administered to kids to treat infections.
How to store Amoxil
To properly store Amoxil, follow these general guidelines:
- Read the instructions: Carefully read and follow the storage instructions provided on the medication label or packaging. Different forms and dosages of Amoxil may have specific storage requirements.
- Temperature: Store Amoxil at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Avoid extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat or freezing, as they can affect the stability and effectiveness of the medication.
- Moisture: Keep Amoxil in a dry place. Avoid storing it in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom, as moisture can degrade the medication.
- Original packaging: Store Amoxil in its original packaging or container. The original packaging is designed to protect the medication from light and moisture.
- Childproof container: Ensure that Amoxil is stored in a childproof container and keep it out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Disposal: Safely dispose of any expired or unused Amoxil. Follow local guidelines or consult a pharmacist for proper disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination.
Some frequently asked questions about Amoxicillin
What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is the brand name for the antibiotic amoxicillin. It is a penicillin-type antibiotic that is used to treat various bacterial infections.
What is Amoxicillin used for?
Amoxicillin is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
How does Amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It does this by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which are necessary for their survival.
What are the side effects of Amoxicillin?
Common side effects of Amoxicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and rash. More serious side effects can occur, such as an allergic reaction, so it's important to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
How is Amoxicillin taken?
Amoxicillin is typically taken orally, either as a tablet or a liquid. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the specific infection being treated, as well as the patient's age, weight, and other factors.
Can Amoxicillin be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. However, it's important to discuss any potential risks and benefits with your doctor before taking any medication.
Can Amoxicillin interact with other medications?
Yes, Amoxicillin can interact with other medications. It's important to let your doctor know about any other medications you're taking before starting Amoxicillin.
Is Amoxicillin available without a prescription?
No, Amoxicillin is a prescription medication and cannot be obtained without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
