Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules

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 essential for bacterial cell wall formation. This inhibition leads to the disruption of peptidoglycan synthesis, resulting in 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, 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, including 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. If you experience:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
+ Contact your doctor right away. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions, which can affect body organs and be life-threatening
+ If you notice signs such as:
- 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
+ Seek medical help immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug may cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only minor ones. 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 you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are allergic to penicillin, as this may impact your ability to take this medication safely.
* If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono), as this condition may affect how you respond to this medication.

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

To ensure your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. They will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and minimize potential interactions or complications.

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.

Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.

A possible side effect of this medication is a change in tooth color to a yellow-gray-brown hue, which has been reported primarily in children. In most cases, the discoloration lessens or resolves with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in tooth color, consult with your doctor.

When taking this medication, birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods may be less effective in preventing pregnancy. To minimize the risk of unplanned pregnancy, use 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. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity due to reduced renal clearance)
• Warfarin (increased INR and bleeding risk; mechanism unclear, possibly affecting gut flora or direct interaction)

• Allopurinol (increased incidence of skin rash, especially in hyperuricemic patients)
• Oral Contraceptives (may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives, though evidence is controversial and not consistently supported by clinical studies)
• Tetracyclines (may antagonize the bactericidal effect of amoxicillin)
• Probenecid (increases and prolongs amoxicillin plasma levels by decreasing renal tubular secretion)

• Rash (maculopapular, urticarial)
• Diarrhea (especially severe or bloody)
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
• Signs of superinfection (new fever, persistent sore throat, vaginal itching/discharge, white patches in mouth)

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 into breast milk in small amounts. While generally safe, monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions (e.g., rash).

Amoxicillin is widely used and generally safe in pediatric patients. Dosing is typically weight-based. Care should be taken to ensure accurate dosing, especially with liquid formulations. Monitor for rash, diarrhea, and signs of superinfection.

No specific dosage adjustment is needed based solely on age. However, elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which necessitates dosage adjustment based on creatinine clearance. Monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal disturbances and potential for C. difficile infection.

• Amoxicillin is a first-line agent for many common bacterial infections, including acute otitis media, streptococcal pharyngitis, and community-acquired pneumonia.
• It is often combined with clavulanate (Augmentin) to extend its spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase producing bacteria.
• Patients with infectious mononucleosis who take amoxicillin (or other penicillins) are at a high risk (70-90%) of developing a non-allergic maculopapular rash.
• Advise patients to complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance and recurrence.
• Liquid suspensions should be refrigerated after reconstitution and discarded after 14 days.

• Penicillin V (for susceptible streptococcal infections)
• Cephalexin (Keflex) - a first-generation cephalosporin
• Azithromycin (Zithromax) - a macrolide (for penicillin-allergic patients or atypical pathogens)
• Doxycycline (for certain respiratory or skin infections)
• Clindamycin (for anaerobic infections or skin/soft tissue infections)

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 this 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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.