Amoxicillin Usage and Side Effects

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Amoxicillin prevents the formation of the outer wall of the bacteria at the same time blocking the bacteria from dividing. Like most antibiotics, amoxicillin is only effective against bacterial infections and showed no effect in case of a virus or other infection.

General Use of Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is used effectively to get rid of a variety of bacteria such as Streptococcus, E. coli, Staphylococcus, H. pylori, P. mirabilis, H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoeae, S. pneumoniae, etc..

The list of diseases caused by bacteria and can be cured with the help of amoxicillin is as below:

1. Amoxicillin is very helpful in treating nasal infections and ear infections.

2. This is very common antibiotic used to treat sinus infections. Amoxicillin can be taken orally, intravenously, or can be used as a nasal spray.

3. Because air is inhaled through the nose into the lungs, it is also susceptible to bacterial infections of the respiratory system such as the lungs and bronchi. Amoxicillin is known efficacy in treating pneumonia and other lung infections.

4. Urinary tract infections usually occur due to E. coli bacteria attacks. Amoxicillin is very effective in preventing the growth of bacteria that help get rid of the infection.

5. Bacteria can also cause skin infections that can be easily treated with amoxicillin.

6. Bacterial infections that occur after surgery can be prevented with amoxicillin.

7. Amoxicillin is used to kill bacteria H. pylori were responsible for causing peptic ulcers.

8. Lyme disease, gonorrhea, typhoid, kidney infections, and anthrax are some other major diseases that can be treated with amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin is available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and drops for oral suspension. Antibiotics is suitable for use by all age groups and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications. Before taking any medication, including amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you have asthma problems, liver disease, kidney disease, etc., to avoid unwanted complications.

Amoxicillin should be spent according to the dose given by the doctor. Treatment of bacterial infections should be done thoroughly. Stop in the middle of the road while using antibiotics allows bacteria to grow back and have a stronger resistance to antibiotics. Instead, take an extra dose of amoxicillin is also highly not recommended because it would endanger health.

Side effect of Amoxicillin

However, like many other drugs, amoxicillin has side effects:

Anaphylaxis reaction

Side effects of amoxicillin are the most serious and dangerous is the emergence of an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylactic reaction is defined as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction that threatens life, arising from drug reactions given internally or orally. About 1500 patients die each year due to anaphylactic reactions in the United States.

Anaphylactic reactions are marked with signs and symptoms of below:

- Signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reactions began to appear within 72 hours after exposure. Early signs visible on the skin in the form of itching, skin rash, and skin flushing. Fever often accompanies skin rash appears.

- Swelling of the lips, tongue and / or throat can also be seen as the way the body responds and fight inflammation.

- Pressure in the form of breathing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

- Some patients may also complain of digestive problems such as severe abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc..

- Other serious effects that may occur if action is not immediately taken include coronary artery spasm that can cause myocardial infarction.

Consequently, there is a risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure that causes dizziness, fatigue, along with loss of consciousness.

Other side effects amoxicillin

1. Canker sores

Canker sores is often seen as a super-infection in cases of overdose amoxicillin. Every time there is an overdose of antibiotic consumption, will appear adverse reactions due to decreased immunity. This causes the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as thrush, candidiasis and other fungal infections.

2. Digestive Problems

Digestive problems are common as a side effect of amoxicillin in infants. The digestive tract has the potential to react negatively on amoxicillin cause stomach cramps, pain in the lower abdomen, etc.. These symptoms are similar to irritable bowel.

3. Nausea

Frequent nausea and vomiting is one of the effects that are often experienced by women due to the use of amoxicillin. These reactions are usually mild and rarely life-threatening. Diarrhea may also appear along with nausea and vomiting.

4. Liver damage

Other side effects are more serious, which only happens after the abuse and long-term use is liver damage. Hepatotoxicity is a side effect when combined with amoxicillin clavulanic acid. This is especially true due to hepatocellular injury and the inability of bile flow from the liver (cholestasis)

In order to remain safe and effective, amoxicillin should be given according to the recommended dosage. The dose given will vary from one person to another. Various factors must be considered when giving doses of amoxicillin. These factors include the patient's age, overall health, and other drug consumption and the possibility of interaction with amoxicillin.

The Difference Between Antihistamines and Decongestants

Decongestants and antihistamine commonly used to treat a variety of disorders associated with the upper respiratory system (nose, mouth and throat). A common problem that affects the nose, mouth and throat such as colds and various types of allergies.

These conditions cause discomfort such as sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, etc.. These symptoms are triggered mainly by the swelling of blood vessels in the nasal cavity or due to histamine release. Decongestants and antihistamines are two types of different drugs have different effects.

Decongestant Vs Antihistamine

The difference between decongestants and antihistamines are described in the following points:

Antihistamines

1. Histamine is released when antibodies tend to make small blood vessels in the eyes, nose, and skin become dilated. Consequently, there is a variety of symptoms such as skin red and itchy, runny nose, sneezing, and red eyes and runny. To overcome this condition, given antihistamine to inhibit histamine release. To be effective, an antihistamine should be taken when allergy symptoms begin to appear.

2. Some first-generation antihistamines are commonly used diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. Currently, there is also a second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetriizine which has better quality.

3. The side effects of antihistamines include dizziness and drowsiness.

Therefore, jobs that require mental alertness such as driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided after taking antihistamines. The best time is taking antihistamines before bed at night.

4. Someone who has taken drugs such as antidepressants or sedatives should avoid antihistamines. This is due to the combined effects of these drugs can have adverse effects on health.

Decongestants

1. The blood vessels were present in the membrane of the nasal cavity will dilate when in contact with a virus or allergens. Dilated blood vessels will also be accompanied by fluid and mucus production. Excess mucus that will meet the airway causing breathing difficulties.

In this condition, a decongestant to help reduce swelling and narrowing of the blood vessels return wide. Thus, airways to be open and free from mucus blockage.

2. Previously, popularly used as a decongestant phenylpropanolamine but then discontinued use due to adverse health effects. Currently some of the commonly used decongestants include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

3. Decongestants act as a stimulant and increases the pulse rate that makes someone difficult to sleep. That's because, decongestants should be consumed during the day and avoid it before bed.

4. Because of its narrow blood vessels, people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid problems or glaucoma should avoid the use of decongestants

8 Drugs That Should be Avoided Given to Babies

Consult a doctor before giving medicine to infants and toddlers. The immune system that still weak, it makes the baby more vulnerable to germs that cause disease. Even so, parents should be careful in giving medicines to them, even a relatively natural medicine or herbal. 

Your toddler is often susceptible to colds and coughs. But giving cough and cold medicines in children under 6 years old is very dangerous. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the drug administration has not been proven effective in infants and cause an overdose.

Drugs That Should be Avoided Given to Babies

Here are 8 types of drugs that should be avoided given to babies:

1. Aspirin

Avoid giving aspirin or medications containing aspirin to children, except on your doctor's instructions. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome that can damage the kidneys and brain.

Do not assume the-counter medicines do not have aspirin content, therefore, should carefully read the medicine label. Aspirin is sometimes written with salicylic or acetylsalicylic acid. For a fever, you should give medicines containing paracetamol or ibuprofen for children over the age of 6 months.

2. Cough and cold medicines that are sold freely

Pediatricians who are members of the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving cough and cold medicines to infants. The results showed these drugs often do not heal, often even dangerous because it was given an overdose.

Other side effects that need to watch are drowsiness, abdominal pain, rash, to increase heart rate. Each year, thousands of babies were admitted to hospital due to cough and cold medication at home.

3. Anti-nausea medications

Do not give anti-nausea medication to the baby except your doctor specifically prescribes. Symptoms of nausea experienced by infants and toddlers are usually temporary and the body they are able to cope without drugs. On the other hand, anti-nausea medications may cause complications. If the baby had vomited provide enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

4. Adult drug

It is not recommended to give infants adult medicine in small doses. Besides medication for infants are generally more dense than the drugs for children, so you need to be careful in giving to the baby.

5. Medication prescribed for another child

Drugs prescribed for other children, including his brother, not necessarily effective, even dangerous for your baby. Give baby a drug is only prescribed for him.

6. Expired drugs

Immediately Get rid of drugs from the medicine cabinet after entering the expired. Dispose of medications that have changed color. After the expired, the drug is ineffective and can be dangerous.

7. Extra acetaminophen

Several types of medications containing acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain, so be careful before giving medicine to infants separated from his fever medicine. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist medicinal given.

8. Chewable drug

Chewable medication or tablets for kids can pose a choking risk to the baby. When your baby is getting solid foods and you want to give tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether may crushed or mixed with soft food.

Avoiding Toddler And Babies of Drug Dangers Tips

1. Do not use cold drugs in children under age 6
If your child is younger than 6 years, do not treat the pain by using a cough or fever.

2. Keep medicines in place of Far Reach Children
It would be easier to store medicines in a locked desk drawer so that children do not easily find it when are playing.

3. Do not Mention medicine as candy
Sometimes parents call drug or vitamin suction as the candy so that the children easy to drink. But it would be dangerous for your child when the child found drugs and are beyond your control.

4. Do not take medicine in front of your child
Curiosity in children aged under five is very high. Children tend to follow what is done by the parents.

5. Inform all occupants of the house to Beware
You might actually have your child away from drugs. But if there are other people living in your house like a maid or nanny, you better informed not to do to your child about drugs.