Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

An Overview on Amoxicillin: Its Indication and Side Effects

Rubia Martins^* Department of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
^*Correspondence: Rubia Martins, Department of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil, Email:

Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-21348; Editor assigned: 06-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. JBP-23-21348 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Apr-2023, QC No. JBP-23-21348; Revised: 27-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-21348 (R); Published: 04-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.23.S21.046

Description

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of antibiotics called penicillins, and it works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is often prescribed by doctors to treat infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. This medication is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions.

Amoxicillin works by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis, specifically by preventing the formation of the peptidoglycan layer that is essential for the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall. The drug binds to Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs) on the surface of the bacterial cell membrane and disrupts the cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. Amoxicillin is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella.

After oral administration, amoxicillin is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-2 hours. The absorption of amoxicillin is not affected by food, and it is not metabolized in the liver. Approximately 60%-80% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine within 6-8 hours after administration. The half-life of amoxicillin is approximately 1-1.5 hours in adults and 3 hours in neonates.

• Amoxicillin is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including:

• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and otitis media

• Lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia

• Urinary tract infections

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Dental infections

• Gonorrhea

Amoxicillin is also used in combination with clarithromycin and a proton pump inhibitor for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

The recommended dosage of amoxicillin depends on the severity and type of infection, as well as the age and weight of the patient. The usual adult dose for most infections is 250-500 mg every 8 hours, or 500-875 mg every 12 hours. For more severe infections, the dose may be increased up to 1 gram every 8 hours. Children are usually given a lower dose based on their body weight. The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, but it usually ranges from 7-14 days.

Like all medications, amoxicillin can cause side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Skin rash

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause more serious side effects, such as:

• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome

• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

• Hemolytic anemia

• Hepatitis

Amoxicillin should not be used in patients who are allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, as the drug is primarily excreted by the kidneys.

Amoxicillin may interact with other medications, such as:

• Probenecid, which can increase the concentration of amoxicillin in the blood

• Oral contraceptives, which may be less effective when taken with amoxicillin

The medication works by preventing the bacteria from building cell walls, which ultimately leads to their death. It is usually taken orally, either as a capsule, tablet, or suspension, and the dosage and duration of treatment depend on the specific infection being treated.