04JANThere is a possibility of experiencing minor side effects from taking amoxicillin 500mg, but there are also potentially serious side effects and drug interactions that may occur.
Generic amoxicillin is an antibiotic that fights a wide range of bacterial infections. As well as treating respiratory tract infections amoxicillin 500mg tablets like sinusitis, lung infections like pneumonia, skin infections, middle ear infections, urinary tract infections and Helicobacter pylori stomach infections, it also treats skin infections.
It goes by the brand names Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and Amoxil (amoxicillin/clavulanate). Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic designed to kill bacteria by preventing them from making or repairing their defensive cell walls. Many infections will only require a few days of amoxicillin therapy. Most people who take amoxicillin will experience minor side effects. However, serious side effects and drug interactions with existing medical conditions might also occur.
Symptoms of amoxicillin side effects
It is usually temporary and manageable to experience side effects from amoxicillin 500mg tablets. Some of these effects include:
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Tongue discoloration
- Yeast infection
- Elevated liver enzymes
- High white blood cell counts (eosinophilia)
Amoxicillin can cause serious side effects
Among the more severe side effects of amoxicillin 650mg are:
- Suprainfections
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Symptoms of a liver problem include swelling (hepatitis) and obstructive jaundice (cholestatic jaundice).
- The diagnosis of low platelets, hemolytic anemia, or agranulocytosis is more challenging than for other conditions.
- Seizures
- Inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord (aseptic meningitis)
- Severe allergic reactions
Super infections and amoxicillin
Bacteria usually prevent other microbes from growing inside the body. All antibiotics, however, eliminate native bacteria, causing superinfections caused by other microbes. Amoxicillin causes most superinfections in the mouth, vagina, and colon. It is unknown how common Clostridium difficile overgrowth is, but approximately 2% of people who take amoxicillin 650mg tablets will develop a yeast infection.
What are the side effects of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin only works for a few days. Its side effects usually disappear once the antibiotic treatment is over. There are, however, some amoxicillin side effects that take longer to resolve, such as allergic reactions. Up to two months after amoxicillin treatment has ceased, Clostridium difficile infections can occur. A yeast infection, an allergic reaction, blood problems, a superinfection, or C difficile may need medical treatment.
Contraindications & warnings for amoxicillin
Not everyone will receive amoxicillin 650mg Tablet. Amoxicillin can cause allergic reactions in some people while adjusting the dose is necessary for others.
Dependence and abuse
Drug abusers and recreational users do not commonly use amoxicillin and similar antibiotics. Medications prescribed for only a short time do not cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
An overdose
It is important to take amoxicillin only as prescribed for the recommended period. The side effects of too much amoxicillin include upset stomach and diarrhea, though usually, they are not dangerous. Occasionally, an amoxicillin overdose may damage or cause permanent kidney damage. Connect with your nearest venom control center or urgent care center as soon as possible if you are worried about an amoxicillin overdose.
Describe all medical conditions and medications to your doctor
Provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all current and past medical conditions, including:
- Problems with the kidneys
- Drug allergies or antibiotic reactions
- Mononucleosis
- history of diarrhea due to antibiotics
- gastroenteritis
Occasionally, amoxicillin 500mg can interact with other medications, but these are relatively rare. Please provide your healthcare provider with an accurate list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking, especially birth control pills, antibiotics, or drugs that require precise dose adjustments, such as methotrexate or warfarin.
