Amoxicillin Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic, a medication which treats infections caused by bacteria. Amoxicillin is often used for infections of the ears, nose, throat, skin, and urinary tract, and it can also be used to treat ulcers caused by bacteria. Amoxicillin does not work on colds, flu, or other viral infections. Amoxicillin side effects range from mild, such as gastrointestinal distress, to serious, including seizures, severe skin rash, exhaustion, yellowing of the skin, and hives.[1]
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| Brand names | Amoxicot, Amoxil, Dispermox, Moxatag, Moxilin, Novamoxin, Senox, Sumox, Trimox, Wymox, and others[1] |
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| Manufacturer | Seneca Pharmaceuticals,Truxton Company Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sandoz Inc., Cipla India and others |
| Uses | Treats ear, nose and throat infections; urinary tract infections; bronchitis; pneumonia; and other bacterial illnesses.[1] |
| Common side effects | Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea are most common.[1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Amoxicillin Side Effects
Amoxicillin is available in liquid, capsules, infant drops, and chewable tablets, and is customarily taken twice or three times a day, with or without food. Most patients tolerate amoxicillin well without major side effects.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur; if they persist a medical care provider should be consulted.[1]
- Discoloring of teeth can occur; while brushing can remove these stains, infants may develop permanent spots and stains on secondary teeth.[2]
- Drinking plenty of fluids while taking amoxicillin is important. Kidney problems, liver problems, and jaundice as well as blood and bone marrow problems, perhaps indicated by easy bruising, are very rare but possible serious side effects of amoxicillin.[3]
About Drug Side Effects
Amoxicillin Allergic Reactions
Patients who are allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to amoxicillin. A severe allergy to amoxicillin might result in anaphylactic shock, a medical emergency characterized by swollen tongue or lips, difficulty breathing, hives, and dizziness.[3]
A 2010 Mayo Clinic study concluded that children were more likely to be allergic to amoxicillin than adults. They attributed this partially to the widespread use of amoxicillin in children.[4]
Amoxicillin Precautions and Warnings
- Women who are pregnant or who become pregnant while taking amoxicillin are unlikely to develop birth defects as a result, but a medical professional should make the prescribing decision. The same holds for breastfeeding mothers.[5]
- Taking amoxicillin for a viral infection is ineffective, as the antibiotic only kills bacteria, and can lead to antibiotic resistance.[6]
- It is important to finish the whole prescription of amoxicillin to avoid a return of the illness.[3]
Also See: Avelox Side Effects, Cipro Side Effects, Fidaxomicin, Levaquin Side Effects, Drug Side Effects, Prescription Drugs, Drug Coupons, Patient Assistance Programs
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000837/
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21972463
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=649d285c-8fcb-48dd-aa5e-2f34128102f5
- ↑ http://www.acaai.org/press/Pages/AllergyAbstractNewsBriefs%28Nov13,2010%29.aspx.aspx
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/BioterrorismandDrugPreparedness/ucm072124.htm
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092810.htm
