Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin (aminopenicillin) antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Throat and tonsil infections (bacterial pharyngitis)
• Middle-ear infections (otitis media)
• Sinusitis and certain chest infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and dental infections
• Part of combination therapy for stomach H. pylori ulcers

The dose of Amoxicillin depends on the infection and its severity. A common adult dose is around 250-500 mg three times a day, or 500-875 mg twice a day, for 5 to 7 days; some infections need a different length of course as decided by the doctor. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food.

For children, the dose is based on body weight and must be set by a doctor — never estimate it yourself. Space the doses evenly through the day and finish the entire course. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one.

Amoxicillin is usually well tolerated. When side effects occur they are often mild and may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Mild skin rash
• Indigestion or loose stools
• Thrush (fungal infection of mouth or vagina) with longer use

Seek emergency care if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction — a spreading rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing. Severe or bloody diarrhoea during or after treatment should also be reported to a doctor promptly.

Amoxicillin is a prescription-only antibiotic — never self-medicate. Take it only when prescribed by a registered doctor, and do not share it or buy it without advice. Always finish the complete prescribed course, even after you start feeling better, because stopping early allows the hardiest bacteria to survive and the infection to return in a more stubborn form.

The most important safety point with Amoxicillin is allergy: tell your doctor if you have ever reacted to penicillin or any antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance is a serious national crisis in Bangladesh, and unnecessary or incomplete use of medicines like this directly fuels it.

Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you use. Notable interactions with Amoxicillin include:

• Allopurinol — increases the chance of a skin rash
• Methotrexate — amoxicillin can raise its toxicity
• Warfarin — bleeding tendency may change
• Oral typhoid vaccine — effectiveness may be reduced
• Other antibiotics such as tetracyclines may lessen its action

Do not take Amoxicillin if you:

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, penicillin, or cephalosporin antibiotics
• Have experienced severe rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty after a previous antibiotic

Use with caution and tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), or a history of asthma and allergies, as these may affect whether Amoxicillin is suitable for you.

Amoxicillin is one of the antibiotics generally considered acceptable during pregnancy when genuinely needed, but it should still be taken only on a doctor's advice. Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be.

Small amounts pass into breast milk and are usually considered safe, though the baby may occasionally develop loose stools or thrush. Mention breastfeeding to your doctor so the most suitable choice can be made for you and your baby.

Store Amoxicillin in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from sunlight and moisture, in its original packaging. Any dry syrup reconstituted with water for children must be kept as advised (often refrigerated) and discarded after the stated number of days. Keep all forms out of children's reach and do not use past the expiry date.