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Amoxicillin represents a synthetic improvement upon the original Penicillin molecule. Amoxicillin is better able to resist damage from stomach acid so less of an oral dose is wasted. While it is still susceptible to destruction by Staphylococcal enzymes, it does have a much broader spectrum against the Gram negative cell wall and is able to last a bit longer.
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USES OF THIS MEDICATION
Amoxicillin is regarded as having a fairly broad spectrum against many bacteria thus it is used both on organisms known to be sensitive to it plus it is a good selection when the sensitivity of bacteria is unknown. It is especially helpful in anaerobic infections (those which grow without the benefit of oxygen). Typical uses might include:
- Infected bite wounds
- Upper respiratory infections
- Infected teeth
- Bladder infections
It should be noted that Staphylococcal infections are NOT sensitive to this medication with two exceptions: Staph infections in the bladder are sensitive to Amoxicillin simply because the kidney concentrates such a large amount of Amoxicillin in the bladder. Also Staph infections are sensitive to Amoxicillin if Clavulanic acid is given to protect Amoxicillin from the Staph enzymes. Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid combinations are marketed under the names Clavamox and Augmentin.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
When the organism in a serious infection cannot be isolated, a common strategy is to attempt to "cover" for all possible bacteria. Amoxicillin is frequently used in combination with other antibiotics for this purpose.
Clavulanic acid may be added to Amoxicillin to increase Amoxicillin's spectrum against Staphylococcal bacteria.
SIDE EFFECTS
Some individuals experience nausea with this medication. Giving the medication with food seems to reduce this effect.
SPECIAL CAUTIONS
The oral suspension should be refrigerated, though if it is mistakenly left out of the refrigerator, this is not a problem. The oral suspension should be discarded after 2 weeks.
Amoxicillin may be given with or without food.
Amoxicillin will cross the placenta in a pregnant patient but is felt to be safe for use during pregnancy.
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