Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Amoxicillin prevents the formation of the outer wall of the bacteria at the same time blocking the bacteria from dividing. Like most antibiotics, amoxicillin is only effective against bacterial infections and showed no effect in case of a virus or other infection.
General Use of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is used effectively to get rid of a variety of bacteria such as Streptococcus, E. coli, Staphylococcus, H. pylori, P. mirabilis, H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoeae, S. pneumoniae, etc..
The list of diseases caused by bacteria and can be cured with the help of amoxicillin is as below:
1. Amoxicillin is very helpful in treating nasal infections and ear infections.
2. This is very common antibiotic used to treat sinus infections. Amoxicillin can be taken orally, intravenously, or can be used as a nasal spray.
3. Because air is inhaled through the nose into the lungs, it is also susceptible to bacterial infections of the respiratory system such as the lungs and bronchi. Amoxicillin is known efficacy in treating pneumonia and other lung infections.
4. Urinary tract infections usually occur due to E. coli bacteria attacks. Amoxicillin is very effective in preventing the growth of bacteria that help get rid of the infection.
5. Bacteria can also cause skin infections that can be easily treated with amoxicillin.
6. Bacterial infections that occur after surgery can be prevented with amoxicillin.
7. Amoxicillin is used to kill bacteria H. pylori were responsible for causing peptic ulcers.
8. Lyme disease, gonorrhea, typhoid, kidney infections, and anthrax are some other major diseases that can be treated with amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and drops for oral suspension. Antibiotics is suitable for use by all age groups and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications. Before taking any medication, including amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you have asthma problems, liver disease, kidney disease, etc., to avoid unwanted complications.
Amoxicillin should be spent according to the dose given by the doctor. Treatment of bacterial infections should be done thoroughly. Stop in the middle of the road while using antibiotics allows bacteria to grow back and have a stronger resistance to antibiotics. Instead, take an extra dose of amoxicillin is also highly not recommended because it would endanger health.
Side effect of Amoxicillin
However, like many other drugs, amoxicillin has side effects:
Anaphylaxis reaction
Side effects of amoxicillin are the most serious and dangerous is the emergence of an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylactic reaction is defined as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction that threatens life, arising from drug reactions given internally or orally. About 1500 patients die each year due to anaphylactic reactions in the United States.
Anaphylactic reactions are marked with signs and symptoms of below:
- Signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reactions began to appear within 72 hours after exposure. Early signs visible on the skin in the form of itching, skin rash, and skin flushing. Fever often accompanies skin rash appears.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and / or throat can also be seen as the way the body responds and fight inflammation.
- Pressure in the form of breathing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
- Some patients may also complain of digestive problems such as severe abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc..
- Other serious effects that may occur if action is not immediately taken include coronary artery spasm that can cause myocardial infarction.
Consequently, there is a risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure that causes dizziness, fatigue, along with loss of consciousness.
Other side effects amoxicillin
1. Canker sores
Canker sores is often seen as a super-infection in cases of overdose amoxicillin. Every time there is an overdose of antibiotic consumption, will appear adverse reactions due to decreased immunity. This causes the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as thrush, candidiasis and other fungal infections.
2. Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are common as a side effect of amoxicillin in infants. The digestive tract has the potential to react negatively on amoxicillin cause stomach cramps, pain in the lower abdomen, etc.. These symptoms are similar to irritable bowel.
3. Nausea
Frequent nausea and vomiting is one of the effects that are often experienced by women due to the use of amoxicillin. These reactions are usually mild and rarely life-threatening. Diarrhea may also appear along with nausea and vomiting.
4. Liver damage
Other side effects are more serious, which only happens after the abuse and long-term use is liver damage. Hepatotoxicity is a side effect when combined with amoxicillin clavulanic acid. This is especially true due to hepatocellular injury and the inability of bile flow from the liver (cholestasis)
In order to remain safe and effective, amoxicillin should be given according to the recommended dosage. The dose given will vary from one person to another. Various factors must be considered when giving doses of amoxicillin. These factors include the patient's age, overall health, and other drug consumption and the possibility of interaction with amoxicillin.
