What does amoxicillin treat?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, UTIs, ear or lung infections. Amoxicillin is often prescribed to patients with heart issues before any kind of medical or dental procedure to prevent a heart infection. When determining what does Amoxicillin treat, you must first understand that this medication works by preventing bacteria from building cell walls and killing them in the process to get rid of the infection.
Best Medication to Treat Infections
AmoxicillinAmoxicillin treats ulcers caused by bacteria and help prevent them from coming back. This penicillin type of antibiotic will not work on viral infections like the flu, and misuse or overuse can reduce its effectiveness.
What does Amoxicillin treat if the white blood cells in your immune system are strong enough to fend off a bacterial infection. Amoxicillin is helpful when the number of harmful bacteria is more than your white blood cells can handle and need help from the antibiotics to help fight the infection. Incorrect use of antibiotics due to misdiagnosis of a viral infection can lead to serious health complications. Overprescribing antibiotics has also led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are tougher to treat. Therefore, it has become customary to treat the symptoms and allow the immune system to handle a minor infection. Antibiotics are typically only prescribed for serious medical cases.
To answer the question, what does Amoxicillin treat? Here is a list of common use cases:
- Throat infections (strep throat)
- Pneumonia
- Streptococcus-based infections
- Coli-based infections
- Enterococcus-based infections
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Tonsillitis
- Chronic bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Lower respiratory infections
- Typhoid fever
- Staphylococcus-based infections
- Lyme disease
- Anthrax treatment
Amoxicillin: Uses, Resistance, And Side Effects?
What does Amoxicillin treatment do to the patient? Follow the instructions provided by your doctor when using Amoxicillin in pill or liquid form. This drug can be taken before or after a meal and should be swallowed whole with water unless otherwise directed by your doctor. When on an antibiotic regiment, take all your medication even if you have recovered because halting treatment could allow the infection to return or get worse. For best results, take Amoxicillin in a consistent manner at the same scheduled time each day.
Let your doctor know about any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking before using Amoxicillin due to potential reactions between compounds. Some drugs may reduce the effectiveness of Amoxicillin and vice-versa, for example, taking Amoxicillin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. It is safe to drink alcohol while taking Amoxicillin but may lead to an upset stomach or other side effects. Other common Amoxicillin drug interactions with risks of side effects include anticoagulant drugs, muscle relaxants, treatments for gout, and other antibacterial medication. If you are taking any of the drugs above, take extra precaution and talk to your doctor about what does Amoxicillin treat.
Precautions
Before discovering what Amoxicillin treats, discuss your medical history with your doctor and determine if you have an existing allergy to antibiotics or to the inactive ingredients in Amoxicillin. Extra precautions should be taken if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Asthma
- Hay fever
- Hives
- Liver or kidney disease
- Mono
- Phenylketonuria
When using Amoxicillin, notify your doctor if you are planning to undergo any surgery or dental procedure. If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using Amoxicillin to avoid serious complications. If you miss taking a dose of Amoxicillin, take the missing dose as soon as possible unless it is near the time for the next one. Take the next dose at the regular time if a missed dose occurs. It is important to note that under no circumstance should you double the dose of Amoxicillin as this can lead to severe side effects.
Amoxicillin Side Effects
Most people take Amoxicillin without signs of any side effects and is usually well-tolerated. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea. If these side effects occur, do not take anti-diarrhea medication because it may make the diarrhea worse. Talk to your doctor if these side effects become problematic. Stop taking Amoxicillin and seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from an intense allergic reaction or from any of the following severe side effects:
- Painful diarrhea with blood or mucus for at least 4 days
- Dark urine
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bruising or yellow skin discoloration
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tiredness
- Seizures
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction (coughing, itchy skin, rashes, etc.)
What does Amoxicillin treat, and its subsequent side effects may not need medical attention and are just a way for the body to adjust to the medication. Prolonged use of Amoxicillin may lead to reoccurring oral or vaginal yeast infections. Talk to your doctor if you start developing white patches in your mouth or abnormal vaginal discharge. Severe vomiting, seizures, trouble breathing, passing out, or continuous diarrhea may be signs of an Amoxicillin overdose. In the event of an overdose, seek medication attention immediately.
To learn more about what does Amoxicillin treat, visit our blog to discover more helpful health advice and treatment suggestions.
References:
- Antibiotics: Are you misusing them? – Healthy Lifestyle Consumer Health – Mayo Clinic
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
