AMOXYCILLIN

Brands:
Amoxil

Use: Infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to amoxycillin.

Amoxycillin is a moderate-spectrum ß-lactam antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms.

It is usually the drug of choice within the class because it is better absorbed, following oral administration, than other beta-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin is susceptible to degradation by ß-lactamase-producing bacteria, and so may be given with clavulanic acid to decrease its susceptibility.

Amoxicillin acts by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.

Cautions:

People allergic to penicillin or cephalosporins should not take this medicine.

Amoxycillin should not be used in glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis).

Side effects:

The most serious side effect is an allergic reaction to amoxycillin.

Mild rashes, nausea, and vomiting are possible side-effects.

Interactions:

Amoxycillin can make the oral contraceptive less effective, so alternative contraceptive methods (eg. condoms) should be used to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.