a·mox·i·cil·lin ( -m k s -sl n)n. A semisynthetic penicillin having an antibacterial spectrum of action similar to that of ampicillin. |
amoxicillin
amoxicillin [ah-moks″ĭ-sil´in]
amoxicillin
Pharmacologic class: Aminopenicillin
Therapeutic class: Anti-infective
Pregnancy risk category B
Action
Inhibits cell-wall synthesis during bacterial multiplication, leading to cell death. Shows enhanced activity toward gram-negative bacteria compared to natural and penicillinase-resistant penicillins.
Availability
Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg
Powder for oral suspension: 50 mg/ml and 125 mg/5 ml (pediatric), 200 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/5 ml, 400 mg/5 ml
Tablets: 500 mg, 875 mg
Tablets for oral suspension: 200 mg, 400 mg
Tablets (chewable): 125 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg
⊘Indications and dosages
➣ Uncomplicated gonorrhea
Adults and children weighing at least 40 kg (88 lb): 3 g P.O. as a single dose
Children ages 2 and older weighing less than 40 kg (88 lb): 50 mg/kg P.O. given with probenecid 25 mg/kg P.O. as a single dose
➣ Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis for dental, GI, and GU procedures
Adults: 2 g P.O. 1 hour before procedure
Children: 50 mg/kg P.O. 1 hour before procedure
➣ Lower respiratory tract infections caused by streptococci, pneumococci, non-penicillinase-producing staphylococci, and Haemophilus influenzae
Adults and children weighing more than 20 kg (44 lb): 875 mg P.O. q 12 hours or 500 mg P.O. q 8 hours
Children weighing less than 20 kg (44 lb): 45 mg/kg/day P.O. in divided doses q 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day P.O. in divided doses q 8 hours
➣ Ear, nose, and throat infections caused by streptococci, pneumococci, non-penicillinase-producing staphylococci, and H. influenzae; GU infections caused by Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Streptococcus faecalis; skin and soft-tissue infections caused by streptococci, susceptible staphylococci, and E. coli
Adults and children weighing more than 20 kg (44 lb): 500 mg P.O. q 12 hours or 250 mg P.O. q 8 hours
Children weighing less than 20 kg (44 lb): 45 mg/kg/day P.O. in divided doses q 12 hours or 20 to 40 mg/kg P.O. in divided doses q 8 hours
➣ Postexposure anthrax prophylaxis
Adults: 500 mg P.O. t.i.d. for 60 days
Children: 80 mg/kg/day P.O. t.i.d. for 60 days
Dosage adjustment
• Renal impairment
• Hemodialysis
• Infants ages 3 months and younger
Off-label uses
• Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant patients
Contraindications
• Hypersensitivity to drug or any penicillin
Precautions
Use cautiously in:
• severe renal insufficiency, infectious mononucleosis, hepatic dysfunction
• pregnant patients.
Administration
☞ Ask about history of penicillin allergy before giving.
• Give with or without food.
• Store liquid form in refrigerator when possible.
• Know that maximum dosage for infants ages 3 months and younger is 30 mg/kg/day divided q 12 hours.
| Route | Onset | Peak | Duration |
| P.O. | 30 min | 1-2 hr | 8-12 hr |
Adverse reactions
CNS: lethargy, hallucinations, anxiety, confusion, agitation, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hyperactivity, insomnia, behavioral changes, seizures (with high doses)
GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastritis, stomatitis, glossitis, black "hairy" tongue, furry tongue, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis
GU: vaginitis, nephropathy, interstitial nephritis
Hematologic: eosinophilia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression
Hepatic: cholestatic jaundice, hepatic cholestasis, cholestatic hepatitis, nonspecific hepatitis
Respiratory: wheezing
Skin: rash
Other: superinfections (oral and rectal candidiasis), fever, anaphylaxis
Interactions
Drug-drug. Allopurinol: increased risk of rash
Chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracycline: decreased amoxicillin efficacy
Hormonal contraceptives: decreased contraceptive efficacy
Probenecid: decreased renal excretion
Drug-diagnostic tests. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, eosinophils, lactate dehydrogenase: increased levels
Granulocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells: decreased values
Direct Coombs' test, urine glucose, urine protein: false-positive results
Drug-food. Any food: delayed or reduced drug absorption
Drug-herbs. Khat: decreased antimicrobial efficacy
Patient monitoring
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction.
☞ Evaluate for seizures when giving high doses.
• Monitor patient's temperature and watch for other signs and symptoms of superinfection (especially oral or rectal candidiasis).
Patient teaching
☞ Instruct patient to immediately report signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash, fever, or chills.
• Tell patient he may take drug with or without food.
• Tell patient not to chew or swallow tablets for suspension, because they're not meant to be dissolved in mouth.
• Advise patient to minimize GI upset by eating small, frequent servings of food and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Tell patient taking hormonal contraceptives that drug may reduce contraceptive efficacy. Suggest she use alternative birth control method.
• Inform patient that drug lowers resistance to other types of infections. Instruct him to report new signs and symptoms of infection, especially in mouth or rectum.
• Tell parents they may give liquid form of drug directly to child or may mix it with foods or beverages.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, and herbs mentioned above.
amoxicillin
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