What is Amoxicillin Used For?

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What is Amoxicillin Used For?
There are several different types of penicillin antibiotics that include Ampicillin, Dicloxacillin, Oxacillin and Amoxicillin. They are generally used to fight bacterial infections of different kinds. They achieve this by stopping the multiplication of bacteria and destruction of the protective wall that surrounds bacteria and helps them survive in their environment. Amoxicillin is mainly used in combating infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococci , H. influenzae, E. coli, Pneumococci, N. gonorrhoea and certain strains of Staphylococci. Some of the body parts commonly infected by these types of bacteria include middle ear, tonsils, throat, lungs, urinary tract and skin. It is also sometimes prescribed in combination with Clarithromycin which is also an antibiotic, when treating stomach ulcers attributed to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Amoxicillin is available in tablet, capsule, chewable tablets as well as powder form. For the best results, it is important to ensure that you follow the dosage prescribed and also take the medication in evenly spaced intervals. Dosage for adults is from 250mg every 8 hours to 875mg every 12 hours depending on how severe the infection is and the condition of the patient. Gonorrhea in adults is however treated with a single does of 3g. The drug can be taken with or without food and fluids. It is however advisable to take fluids in large quantities unless your doctor advices against this. The full dose of medication should be taken even after symptoms are no longer visible or being felt. This ensures that the bacteria are completely dealt with and avoids situations where patients fall into lapse.

Patients who are allergic to any kind of penicillin or cephalosporins medication should not take amoxicillin and need to inform their doctors of such allergies at the beginning of treatment. Asthma, liver or kidney patients as well as those with bleeding or blood clotting disorders should also inform their doctors of these conditions when getting prescriptions for amoxicillin. Pregnant and breast feeding mothers can take the medication though it is important to inform your doctor of pregnancy or the fact that you are breast feeding.

There are few reported incidences of patients who suffer amoxicillin side effects. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are the side effects commonly reported by those who experience side effects after using the drug. In most cases this is not a serious issue and normally resolves with time. You should however contact your doctor immediately you begin to experience side effects that could be attributed to taking the medicine so that they may advice you on what to do.

Due to its effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial infections there have been patients who abuse the drug and use it unnecessarily which has resulted in reduced effectiveness when administering treatment. However, when properly used amoxicillin is one of the most effective antibiotics that is currently available for general as well as specialized use in the treatment of various bacterial infections. It is an affordable treatment option and is readily available in most places.

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