Amoxicillin

Broad-spectrum Penicillin · Broad-spectrum penicillin

Indications

Respiratory, ENT, UT and soft tissue infections. Gonorrhoea. Dental abscess (adjunct to surgical management). Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis. Severe or recurrent acute otitis media and prophylaxis of endocarditis.

Dosage

ORAL: Adults & Children over 5 yr: 250 mg three times daily. In severe cases the dose doubled. Children: 1 mth- 1 yr: 62.5 mg every 8 hr, the dose doubled in severe cases; 1-5 yr: 125 mg every 8 hr, the dose doubled in severe cases. Severe or recurrent purulent RTI: Adults: 3 gm twice daily. Acute UTI: Adults: 3 gm repeated once 12 hr later. Gonorrhoea: Adults: 3 gm single dose. Dental abscess: Adults: 3 gm repeated once 8 hr later. Prophylaxis of endocarditis: Adults: Single 3 gm dose one hr before dental procedure from which bacteraemia may arise. Repeat 6 hr later if necessary. Children: Under 5 yr, 750 mg; 5-10 yr, 1.5 gm. Both 1 hr before dental procedure from which bacteraemia may arise. Otitis media: Adults: 500 mg every 8 hr. Children: Under 3 mth, usual/max dose, 15 mg/kg every 12 hr. Above 3 mth, 20-40 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, max 1.5 gm daily. INJECTION: IM/IV: Adults:…

Administration

Direct IV push over a period of 3-4 min; IV intermittent infusion over a period of half to one hour after addition of Dextrose 5% or 0.9% NaCl infusion fluid.

Adverse Effects

Hypersensitivity reaction, GI upset. Rarely hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, haematological and CNS effects, pseudomembranous colitis, increased INR, acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-Iactams. Infectious mononucleosis. Precautions: Renal impairment (CrCl<30 mL/min). Risk of crystalluria with high doses, all should be well hydrated. Monitor renal, hepatic and haematological function in neonates.

Interactions

Anticoagulants, allopurinol, probenecid, tetracyclines, methotrexate.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Preferably taken with meals to reduce abdominal discomfort. Chew or crush chewable tablets, do not swallow whole. Take at regular intervals, as scheduled. Refrigerate reconstituted suspension and shake well before each use. Contact prescriber if there is rash, vaginal burning/itching/pain, unrelieved diarrhoea, unrelieved constipation or vomiting, chills, fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, unusual bruising or bleeding or if there is worsening of condition or no improvement. Watery or bloody stools can occur 2 or more months after therapy and can be serious, requiring immediate treatment. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Oral: Immediate-release: Rapid with or without food. Extended-release: Rate of absorption is slower compared to immediate-release formulations; food reduces the rate but not extent of absorption. Half-life elimination: Adults: Immediate-release: 61.3 mins. Extended-release: 90 mins. Time to peak: Cap, oral susp: 1-2 hrs. Chewable tab: 1 hr. Extended-release: 3.1 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.