Amoxicillin fights bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of their cell wall. In particular amoxicillin is able to inhibit the major component of the cell wall of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, which is the link between the linear polymers of peptidoglycan.
What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a bactericidal antibiotic with a broad spectrum of action. It is used primarily in the treatment of respiratory tract infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung abscess); in the treatment of acute otitis media; otorhinolaryngological and dental infections; genitourinary tract infections; in infections of the skin and soft tissues; gastrointestinal infections, including salmonella in the bile; in infections of the spleen; in septicemia, peritonitis and endocarditis; in postoperative sepsis. In many cases, amoxicillin is the drug of choice compared to other beta-lactam antibiotics, because it is better absorbed after an oral administration.
How should Amoxicillin be taken?
Amoxicillin can be given in the form of tablets, capsules, or drops for oral suspension or as a solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection.
Side effects associated with Amoxicillin
There are several recognized adverse effects caused by the use of amoxicillin, the severity of which may depend on the duration of the therapy and the individual sensitivity to the substance. The side effects may last from five days to two weeks and may include:
- Cardiovascular disorders: vasculitis;
- Central disorders: headache, dizziness; insomnia;
- Skin disorders: rash, erythema multiforme, bullous rash and epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, maculopapular rash;
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, gastritis;
- Haematological disorders: abnormal platelet function, increased bleeding, anemia, purpura, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis is reversible, petechiae.
- Liver: increased transaminases, jaundice, cholestatic hepatitis;
- Genitourinary disorders.
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to penicillin and cephalosporin;
- Patients with infections caused by pathogens-lactamases in manufacturers;
- Patients with known risk to allergy;
- Patients with Mononucleosis, viral infections, chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
