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What are the Pros and Cons of Taking Amoxicillin?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

Amoxicillin is a common drug. One reason for this is that it is effective for a wide range of conditions, but there are some bacteria that the drug cannot effectively fight. This medication can be described as user friendly because it is available in numerous forms and can be administered to groups that tend to require special considerations, such as pregnant women and children. One of the drawbacks of taking amoxicillin, however, is that it must be administered often to be effective.

Amoxicillin is a drug from the penicillin family that is used for the treatment of bacterial infections. The drug is commonly commended for its absorption properties because it can spread throughout most of the body’s tissues and fluids. As a result, taking amoxicillin can effectively treat a wide range of conditions, such as bronchitis, gonorrhea, and skin infections. One of amoxicillin’s drawbacks, however, is that certain enzymes can negate its effects. As such, there are some strains of bacteria for which this medication cannot be used.

Although it passes into breast milk, amoxicillin is considered safe for nursing mothers.
Although it passes into breast milk, amoxicillin is considered safe for nursing mothers.

A commonly noted benefit of amoxicillin is that it can be administered in numerous forms. It is available in both powder and drops for instances when it will be given as an oral suspension. The medication can be prescribed as capsules or chewable tablets, and it can also be given intravenously. Furthermore, food is not generally required to take this medication, but patients are not required to take it on an empty stomach either.

Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of ailments.
Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of ailments.

It has been found that this drug crosses the placenta. Studies have also found it present in breast milk. Despite these findings, however, medical professionals tend to believe that taking amoxicillin is safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women. In many cases, this is the preferred method of chlamydia treatment for expecting mothers. Amoxicillin is also believed to be safe for the consumption of children, who are often given bubble-gum flavored varieties of the medicine.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking amoxicillin.
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin is widely used and widely available. Patients generally have the option to choose a brand-name version of this drug, or they may choose one that is generic. In many places, it can be obtained at very economical prices even for those without health care coverage. Another of its drawbacks, however, is that the body metabolizes and eliminates the drug fairly quickly. This means that for effective treatment patients are normally required to take the medication several times per day to keep the drug active in their systems.

Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking amoxicillin.
Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking amoxicillin.

As is the case with most medications, taking amoxicillin presents the risk of experiencing side effects. Many medical sources report that diarrhea is the most common side effect and that amoxicillin is more likely than most other antibiotics to cause this problem. Other common problems that result from this drug include vomiting, nausea, and rashes. Though they occur less commonly than some other side effects, severe allergic reactions can result from taking amoxicillin. These incidents may be characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling, and hives.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@ysmina-- Have you asked your regular doctor? Amoxicillin is safe to take during pregnancy. I have used it while pregnant and I had no problems. My baby was born absolutely healthy. I think you need to hear this from your doctor to be convinced. But don't delay your treatment because an infection, as well as the pain and stress it causes, is more dangerous for your baby than the amoxicillin. Call your doctor today and after getting his/her approval, start your amoxicillin antibiotic treatment.

ysmina

I'm three months pregnant with an awful tooth infection. My dentist prescribed amoxicillin but I have not started taking them yet. I've found sources that say it's okay but my friend said that it's best not to take them as the medication will end up in the baby. I'm so confused, I don't know what to do. I want my pain to go away but I don't want to harm my baby.

Can you take amoxicillin while pregnant or not? I really need a definite and accurate answer.

bear78

I took amoxicillin recently for an ear infection. It got rid of the infection quickly, the medication was very effective. But I did experience side effects-- upset stomach, diarrhea and fatigue.

My mom has a saying that all medications are a double edged sword. This is so true. Even though antibiotics treat infections that can cause severe complications, they are not without side effects. That's why I'm against the use of antibiotics, as well as other medications, unless they're really necessary. Of course, no one should delay their treatment when they need to be on antibiotics. But people should not use antibiotics unnecessarily either.

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    • Although it passes into breast milk, amoxicillin is considered safe for nursing mothers.
      By: Kzenon
      Although it passes into breast milk, amoxicillin is considered safe for nursing mothers.
    • Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of ailments.
      By: Oleksii Nykonchuk
      Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of ailments.
    • Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking amoxicillin.
      By: Alliance
      Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of taking amoxicillin.
    • Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking amoxicillin.
      By: JPagetRFphotos
      Diarrhea is one possible side effect of taking amoxicillin.
    • Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.