Amoxicillin is an antibiotic classified as a penicillin and is used to combat bacteria such as most species of Streptococcus, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus. It is also used against Haemophilus influenzae, some Escherichia coli, as well as species of Clostridial, Salmonella, Shigella and Corynebacteria, among others. Very useful in basic health care, amoxicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the same group as penicillin, a drug discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which changed the history of medical sciences.
As it is an antibiotic, amoxicillin can only be sold under medical prescription and the prescription must be retained to control its consumption. Given the time of existence of this type of drug, it is considered very safe. However, it is important that you use this medicine rationally, that is, use it appropriately, in the right dose and for the right amount of time.
What is amoxicillin used for?
Amoxicillin can be used to eliminate infections such as the ones you see below:
- Pharyngitis
- Sinusitis
- Some types of pneumonia
- Urinary tract infection (especially in children)
- Helicobacter pylori infections
- Otitis
The medicine may be indicated by doctors or dentists in other situations, such as dental procedures and in the treatment of periodontitis.
How does amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin has excellent pharmacokinetics, that is, regardless of the presentation, it is quickly absorbed and distributed by tissues, until it reaches its target, performs its action, and becomes a product to be eliminated (metabolization). Upon completing its task, it leaves the body via the kidney. As for the pharmacodynamics, or mechanism of action, it acts by preventing the reproduction of bacteria and killing them (cell death).
Depending on the severity or type of infection, the doctor will indicate the time and dose required for treatment. Never self-medicate or abandon treatment before the set time. This also leads to bacterial resistance. The idea is to use it for 7 to 21 days. In some situations the use may be longer. But these cases are the exception. It is important to point out that never make use of residues of previously used antibiotics without proper medical guidance.
What are the benefits of amoxicillin? And the disadvantages of its use? The biggest advantage of amoxicillin is that it is widely used by doctors for its high safety and effectiveness rates in various infections. It is not like water, but it is classified as risk B, which makes it a drug that can be used in the treatment of children, newborns and even pregnant women [at the discretion and under medical guidance]. The disadvantage of amoxicillin is that it has a dosing schedule every 8 hours, therefore, 3 times a day, which can be unpleasant for the patient.
Furthermore, it cannot be used by people who are allergic to any component of the amoxicillin formula or other similar antibiotics. For these, there are alternative antimicrobials (macrolide or fluoroquinolone), which may replace it, depending on the type of infection and the age of the patient.
Amoxicillin contraindications People with a history of hypersensitivity to penicillin can have severe and even fatal reactions. These cases are usually related to individuals with a history of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins and cephalosporins. Anaphylactic risk is possible but rare. Another warning refers to the hypothesis of the presence of suspected infectious mononucleosis, since the occurrence of erythematous (mobiliform) rash has been associated with this condition after the use of the drug.
If you are diabetic, the use of amoxicillin can alter your blood glucose levels. Before taking the test, inform your doctor or the laboratory about the use of the medication.
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