You may have been given this medicine when you went to the doctor with a fever, cough, or a wound. Amoxicillin, which comes in pink and yellow capsules, is a medicine that many people in our country know and use frequently. We all like it because it cures illnesses quickly in most cases. But there are a few things we need to know about it. Let's talk about it clearly and simply today.
What exactly is Amoxicillin?
Simply put, Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. That is, a medicine that is given to treat infections caused by bacteria. This medicine can either kill harmful bacteria that enter our body or stop them from growing. It belongs to the group of antibiotics called penicillin.
But it's important to remember this: Amoxicillin only treats bacterial infections. It won't help with viral infections like the common cold or flu. So, don't take this medicine unless your doctor recommends it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, there are a few things you should be aware of. It is very important for your safety to know these things.
- Other medical conditions you have: Be sure to mention them, especially if you have kidney disease .
- Allergies: This is very important. If you have ever had an allergy to Amoxicillin, another type of penicillin, or a type of antibiotic called a cephalosporin, you should tell your doctor about it. Also, if you have any allergies to any other medicine, food, preservatives, or dyes, tell your doctor about them.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to inform her about that as well.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Okay, now let's see how to take this medicine exactly. As the doctor says, it is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time.
1. Take this medicine with a glass of water.
2. Follow the instructions on the prescription given to you exactly as directed.
3. This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience stomach upset after taking this medicine. If this happens, take the medicine with food.
4. Take the medicine at the right time, every hour (e.g. every 8 hours). This will keep the concentration of the medicine in the blood at the same level and help fight bacteria.
5. This is the most important thing: A mistake that many people make is to stop taking the medicine after taking it for two or three days and then stop when the pain subsides a little. Never do that. Take the medicine for the entire period that the doctor prescribed. If you don't, the bacteria remaining in the body can become strong again and the disease can flare up again.
What if you suddenly take too much medicine? (Overdose)
Imagine that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of medicine. If this happens, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose? (Missed Dose)
If you suddenly forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is within an hour or two), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
"Interaction" means that Amoxicillin may interact with other medications, foods, or supplements you are taking and change their effects. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
| A substance that can cause a collision | Description |
|---|---|
| Allopurinol | A medicine used to treat gout. There is an increased risk of skin rash when taken with Amoxicillin. |
| Birth control pills | Birth control pills may be less effective while taking Amoxicillin. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control (e.g. condoms). |
| Certain antibiotics | Some other antibiotics, such as Tetracycline and Erythromycin, can interfere with the action of Amoxicillin. |
| Anticoagulant | If you are taking medication like Warfarin, Amoxicillin may increase the risk of bleeding. |
Therefore, don't forget to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescribed by other doctors, bought from the pharmacy, traditional medicines), the vitamins and herbs you use, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects that may occur from the medicine
Like any medicine, Amoxicillin can cause side effects in some people. While most of these are minor, there are some serious conditions that we should be aware of.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. If any of these occur, stop taking the medicine immediately and go to the ETU. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth). Rash accompanied by fever. See a doctor immediately. |
| Severe diarrhea | Watery diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain that lasts more than two days. Tell your doctor. Do not take over-the-counter medications. |
| Vaginal infections | Women may experience vaginal discharge, itching, etc. (This could be a yeast infection). Inform your doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting | These are common. They can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. If they persist, tell your doctor. |
| Headache | This usually goes away in a few days. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children. This is very important.
- Keep it at room temperature, that is, in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. It is not a good idea to keep medication in the bathroom.
- Never use expired medications. Dispose of them properly.
Take-Home Message
- Amoxicillin is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections . It will not cure the common cold.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before taking the medication.
- Take the entire dose of medicine prescribed by the doctor, until the prescribed time is up. Do not stop taking it halfway just because the pain has subsided.
- If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling) or severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give your medicine to anyone else.
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