Amoxicillin trihydrate

Amoxicillin trihydrate

Brand Name: Amoxil, Amoxil Pediatric Drops, Apo-Amoxi (CAN), Novamoxin (CAN), Nu-Amoxi (CAN), Trimox, Trimox Pediatric Drops, Wymox

Pregnancy Category B

Drug class: Antibiotic, penicillin–ampicillin type

 

Therapeutic actions

Bactericidal: inhibits synthesis of cell wall of sensitive organisms, causing cell death.

 

Indications

· Infections due to susceptible strains of Haemophilus influenzae, E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, streptococci, nonpenicillinase-producing staphylococci

· Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with other agents

· Post-exposure prophylaxis against Bacillus anthracis

· Unlabeled use: Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnancy

 

Contraindications

· Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.

Adverse effects

Lethargy, hallucinations, seizures, Glossitis, stomatitis, gastritis, sore mouth, furry tongue, black “hairy” tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, nonspecific hepatitis, Nephritis, Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, prolonged bleeding time, Rash, fever, wheezing, anaphylaxis, Superinfections--oral and rectal moniliasis, vaginitis

Drug Interactions

· Increased effect with probenecid

· Decreased effectiveness with tetracyclines, chloramphenicol

· Decreased efficacy of oral contraceptives

 

Drug-food

· Delayed or reduced GI absorption with food

 

Nursing considerations

· Culture infected area prior to treatment; reculture area if response is not as expected.

· Give in oral preparations only; absorption may be affected by presence of food; drug should be taken 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.

· Continue therapy for at least 2 days after signs of infection have disappeared; continuation for 10 full days is recommended.

· Use corticosteroids, antihistamines for skin reactions.