- How to take
- Possible side effects
- Does this antibiotic cut the effect of the contraceptive?
- Who should not take
Amoxicillin is one of the most widely used antibiotics to treat various infections in the body, as it is a substance capable of eliminating a large number of different bacteria. Thus, amoxicillin generally serves to treat cases of:
- Urinary tract infection; Tonsillitis; Sinusitis; Vaginitis; Ear infection; Infection of the skin and mucous membranes; Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Amoxicillin can only be purchased in conventional pharmacies with a prescription, with the trade names of Amoxil, Novocilin, Velamox or Amoximed, for example. The price of Amoxicillin varies between 6 and 30 reais, and can be purchased at conventional pharmacies or online stores.
How to take
The dose of amoxicillin and the time of treatment vary according to the infection to be treated and, therefore, should always be indicated by the doctor. However, in most cases the general recommendations are:
For adults and children over 10 years of age, the recommended dose is 250 mg, 3 times a day, every 8 hours. For more serious infections, the doctor may suggest increasing the dose to 500 mg, 3 times a day, every 8 hours.
For children under the age of 10, the recommended dose is usually 125 mg, 3 times a day every 8 hours. For more serious infections, the doctor may suggest increasing the dose to 250 mg, 3 times a day, every 8 hours.
The following table lists the volumes or capsules corresponding to the recommended dosages:
| Dose | Oral suspension 250mg / 5mL | Oral suspension 500mg / 5mL | 500 mg capsule |
| 125 mg | 2.5 mL | - | - |
| 250 mg | 5 mL | 2.5 mL | - |
| 500 mg | 10 mL | 5 mL | 1 capsule |
If the person has a severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection, a dose of 3g, equivalent to 6 capsules, may be recommended every 12 hours. To treat gonorrhea, the recommended dose is 3 g, in a single dose, which is equivalent to 6 capsules.
In people with kidney failure, the doctor may change the dosage of the medicine.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects of amoxicillin can include diarrhea, feeling sick, redness and itchy skin. See how to treat diarrhea caused by the use of this antibiotic.
Does this antibiotic cut the effect of the contraceptive?
Amoxicillin generally does not change the effect of the contraceptive, however, there are cases in which vomiting or diarrhea may occur, due to changes in the intestinal flora caused by the antibiotic, which may reduce the amount of hormones absorbed.
Thus, if diarrhea or vomiting occurs within 4 hours of taking the contraceptive, the effectiveness of the pill is reduced and a condom must be used for the next 7 days. See which antibiotics cut the contraceptive effect.
Who should not take
This antibiotic is contraindicated for patients with a history of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins or cephalosporins and for patients with allergy to amoxicillin or any of the components of the formula.
In addition, if the person is pregnant or breastfeeding, has kidney problems or illnesses or is being treated with other medications, you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
