| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
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Description
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A broad-spectrum semisynthetic antibiotic similar to ampicillin except that its resistance to gastric acid permits higher serum levels with oral administration. Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed with clauvanic acid (a beta lactamase inhibitor) as it is susceptible to beta-lacatamase degradation. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
For the treatment of infections of the ear, nose, and throat, the genitourinary tract, the skin and skin structure, and the lower respiratory tract due to susceptible (only b-lactamase-negative) strains of Streptococcus spp. (a- and b-hemolytic strains only), S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., H. influenzae, E. coli, P. mirabilis, or E. faecalis. Also for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated gonorrhea (ano-genital and urethral infections) due to N. gonorrhoeae (males and females). |
| Pharmacology |
Amoxicillin is a moderate-spectrum antibiotic active against a wide range of Gram-positive, and a limited range of Gram-negative organisms. It is usually the drug of choice within the class because it is better absorbed, following oral administration, than other beta-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin is susceptible to degradation by β-lactamase-producing bacteria, and so may be given with clavulanic acid to increase its susceptability. The incidence of β-lactamase-producing resistant organisms, including E. coli, appears to be increasing. Amoxicillin is sometimes combined with clavulanic acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor, to increase the spectrum of action against Gram-negative organisms, and to overcome bacterial antibiotic resistance mediated through β-lactamase production. |
| Toxicity |
Serious toxicity is unlikely following large doses of amoxicillin. Acute ingestion of large doses of amoxicillin may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Acute oliguric renal failure and hematuria may occur following large doses. |
| Affected Organisms |
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Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria |
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| Biotransformation |
Hepatic metabolism accounts for less than 30% of the biotransformation of most penicillins |
| Absorption |
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration. |
| Half Life |
61.3 minutes |
| Protein Binding |
In blood serum, amoxicillin is approximately 20% protein-bound |
| Elimination |
Most of the amoxicillin is excreted unchanged in the urine; its excretion can be delayed by concurrent administration of probenecid. |
| References |
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Drawz SM, Bonomo RA: Three decades of beta-lactamase inhibitors. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2010 Jan;23(1):160-201.
[Pubmed]
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| External Links |
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