I know this is an antibiotic but what type of infections is this commonly used for and why is this used instead of other common antibiotics such as Penicillin, Erythromycin and Tetracycline?
What is Amoxicillin Used to Treat?
Question posted by aquanaut on 30 July 2009
Last updated on 3 January 2013
4 Answers
Official Answer
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2020.
Amoxicillin is an penicillin based antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract, pneumonia, ear infections, skin and soft tissue infections. It also treats genitourinary infections eg bladder infection & gonorrhoea, stomach ulcers and other infections.
There are many reasons why your doctor will choose Amoxicillin over some of the antibiotics you have listed. It has a broader anti-bacterial action compared to Penicillin, it is not as harsh on the stomach as Erythromycin and it won't stain teeth in children like Tetracycline.
For more information on amoxicillin see:
ErikLakies
3 Jan 2013
Amoxicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out. Amoxicillin impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. This allows holes to appear in the cell walls and kills the bacteria.
ErikLakies
3 Jan 2013
What is it used for?
Bacterial infections of the lungs (chest or lower respiratory tract), eg acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
Bacterial infection of the nasal passages, sinuses or throat (upper respiratory tract infection), eg sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis.
Bacterial infections of the middle ear (otitis media).
Bacterial infections of the urinary tract or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Bacterial infections of skin or soft tissue, eg boils, abscesses, cellulitis, impetigo.
Gynaecological bacterial infections, including those following childbirth or abortion.
Gonorrhoea.
Abdominal bacterial infections (peritonitis).
Bacterial infections of the blood (septicaemia or blood poisoning).
Bacterial infection of the heart valves and the lining surrounding the heart (bacterial endocarditis).
Preventing infection of the heart (bacterial endocarditis) during medical or dental procedures in people with heart valve defects or artificial heart valves.
Dental abscess (as addition to surgical management).
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever.
Lyme disease (unlicensed use).
123boop
3 Oct 2011
its a antibiotic ask your mom to bring you to the doctors - do not just take them
Marvell
31 July 2009
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs.
Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection. Amoxicillin is also sometimes used together with another antibiotic called clarithromycin (Biaxin) to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This combination is sometimes used with a stomach acid reducer called lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Related topics
Further information
- Amoxicillin uses and safety info
- Amoxicillin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amoxicillin (detailed)
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