Amoxicillin 250mg Chew Tablets

Amoxicillin is a bactericidal, beta-lactam antibiotic. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which are enzymes located on the bacterial cell membrane. This binding prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, leading to the disruption of the cell wall and subsequent bacterial cell lysis and death.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Rarely, some allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome, a type of allergic reaction, such as:
+ Vomiting within 1 to 4 hours after taking this medication
+ Diarrhea within 24 hours after taking this medication
+ Pale or gray skin
+ Feeling tired or unwell
+ Signs of low blood pressure, such as severe dizziness or passing out
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Fever or chills
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics, but rarely, a severe form called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. This can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
+ Seek medical help right away
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions
+ These reactions can affect body organs and be life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any areas of skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands

Other Side Effects

Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Headache

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you are allergic to penicillin, as this may impact your ability to take this medication.
* If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono), as this condition may affect the use of this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug for an extended period, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug. If you have diabetes and test your urine glucose levels, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable tests to use.

Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this condition with their doctor, as some products may contain phenylalanine.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection. A common side effect of this drug, particularly in children, is a change in tooth color to a yellow-gray-brown hue. In most cases, this discoloration can be reduced or eliminated with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in tooth color, consult with your doctor.

Women taking birth control pills or other hormone-based contraceptives should be aware that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, consider using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this drug.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may decrease the renal tubular secretion of methotrexate, potentially increasing methotrexate plasma concentrations and toxicity.
• Warfarin: Increased INR and bleeding risk reported with co-administration, likely due to effects on gut flora and vitamin K synthesis.

• Allopurinol: Concomitant use with amoxicillin may increase the incidence of skin rash, particularly in patients with hyperuricemia.
• Oral Contraceptives: Penicillins may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by interfering with enterohepatic recirculation of estrogens. Advise backup contraception.
• Probenecid: Decreases the renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, resulting in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin.

• Tetracyclines: May antagonize the bactericidal effect of amoxicillin due to their bacteriostatic action.

• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling (face, lips, tongue, throat)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine

Amoxicillin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there is no evidence of harm in well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is often used to treat infections during pregnancy.

Amoxicillin is considered compatible with breastfeeding (Lactation Risk L1). It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but adverse effects in breastfed infants are rare. Monitor for potential diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush), or allergic reactions in the infant.

Widely used and generally safe in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based and varies by indication and severity. Chewable tablets are suitable for children who can chew safely. Close monitoring for allergic reactions and gastrointestinal side effects is important.

No specific dose adjustment is needed based on age alone. However, elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which may necessitate dose adjustments based on creatinine clearance. Monitor renal function and for potential adverse effects.

• Amoxicillin is a first-line agent for many common bacterial infections, including acute otitis media, streptococcal pharyngitis, and community-acquired pneumonia.
• It is not effective against beta-lactamase producing bacteria unless combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate).
• A non-allergic, maculopapular rash can occur, especially in patients with mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus infection, and should not be confused with a true penicillin allergy.
• Chewable tablets must be chewed or crushed completely before swallowing to ensure proper absorption and avoid choking hazards, especially in young children.
• Always complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, even if symptoms improve.

• Penicillin V (for susceptible streptococcal infections)
• Cephalexin (a first-generation cephalosporin)
• Cefdinir (a third-generation cephalosporin)
• Azithromycin (a macrolide, for penicillin-allergic patients or atypical pathogens)
• Clindamycin (for anaerobic infections or penicillin-allergic patients)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.