Amoxicillin Description

Amoxicillin generic is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the penicillin family prescribed to treat many bacterial infections. These include skin, ear, nose, and urinary tract infections, strep throat, tonsillitis, or pneumonia. Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection so your doctor may recommend starting on this antibiotic until test results confirm a positive result for bacteria. Should there be a different outcome, your drug therapy would be adjusted accordingly. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Amoxicillin Affects Vital Enzymes Required by Bacteria

Amoxicillin interferes with the biochemical process involved in the production of the bacterial wall. This is carried out by blocking certain enzymes that are crucial to successfully making this cell wall so the bacteria can grow and multiply. As the cell wall ruptures due to the fail of its construction, the bacteria die. Do not stop taking Amoxicillin before the time specified by your doctor to avoid a reinfection from any remaining bacteria that have not expired yet.

Conditions Treated by Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is also prescribed as part of the drug therapy to treat ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacteria that are usually quite harmless and seldom cause a lot of problems. H. pylori have adapted to life in the acidic environment of your stomach and are able to penetrate your stomach lining easily because of their corkscrew or spiral (helico) shape. They are able to alter their environment so it’s less acidic and interfere with your immune response to avoid destruction. This leaves your stomach lining vulnerable to irritation from the bacteria and stomach acid that can cause lesions or ulcers in your stomach or small intestine. Your doctor can perform certain tests to be certain your symptoms are due to H. pylori before prescribing Amoxicillin.

Before You Take Amoxicillin

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Amoxicillin if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements. This allows your doctor to determine if Amoxicillin is the right drug treatment for you.

Amoxicillin Precautions and Recommendations

For those women taking oral birth control, Amoxicillin may make your pills less effective so it is recommended that you also use a diaphragm, spermicide, or condoms during your treatment period to prevent a pregnancy.

Amoxicillin and other antibiotics can also kill our ‘good’ bacteria so ask your doctor about eating yogurt with probiotics as a way to try and maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria. Do not share Amoxicillin with anyone else, even if they appear to have the same symptoms. Limit your alcohol consumption in order to give your body the best chance for recovery while on Amoxicillin.

Possible Side Effects of Amoxicillin

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Upset stomach
• Nausea or vomiting

If you experience a swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or have any breathing problems while taking Amoxicillin, seek medical assistance immediately.

Drugs Similar to Amoxicillin

• Cipro
• Zithromax
• Augmentin