Zoxillin 500 mg (Amoxicillin) Capsules

𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 

• Brand Name: Zoxillin
• Generic Name: Amoxicillin
• Strength: 500 mg per capsule
• Pack Size: 12 capsules

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat various bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, making it a commonly prescribed antibiotic.

Common Uses of Zoxillin (Amoxicillin):

Amoxicillin is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These can include:

1. Upper Respiratory Infections:
   • Sinusitis (infection of the sinuses)
   • Otitis media (middle ear infections)
   • Pharyngitis (throat infections like strep throat)
2. Lower Respiratory Infections:
   • Pneumonia
   • Bronchitis
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
   • Cystitis (bladder infection)
   • Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
4. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections:
   • Impetigo, cellulitis, or other skin infections
5. Dental Infections:
   • Used as a prophylactic (preventive) or treatment for dental abscesses.
6. Helicobacter pylori Eradication:
   • When used in combination with other medications, amoxicillin is part of a treatment regimen to treat H. pylori infections, which cause peptic ulcers.

Dosage:

For Zoxillin 500 mg, the typical adult dose is as follows (this can vary depending on the infection):

• Standard dose: 500 mg every 8 hours, or 875 mg every 12 hours.
• Severe infections: Dosage may be adjusted, and a higher dose may be required.
• Duration: Treatment usually lasts from 5 to 14 days, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

Note: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and duration.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of amoxicillin may include:

• Gastrointestinal issues:
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach upset or discomfort
• Skin reactions:
  • Rash (this may indicate an allergy, especially in people with a penicillin allergy)
• Other possible side effects:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Yeast infections (oral or vaginal) due to the disruption of normal bacteria in the body

Serious side effects (rare but may include):

• Severe allergic reactions: Such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives.
• Liver problems: Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or dark urine.
• Severe diarrhea: Which could be a sign of a Clostridium difficile infection.

Precautions:

1. Penicillin Allergy: If you are allergic to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics, you should not take amoxicillin.
2. Kidney Impairment: People with kidney problems may need dose adjustments, as amoxicillin is excreted through the kidneys.
3. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Amoxicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always check with your doctor.
4. Drug Interactions: Amoxicillin can interact with certain medications, including:
   • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may be less effective when taking amoxicillin, so alternative contraception may be needed.
   • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) may interact, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Administration:

• Take with water: Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water.
• With or without food: You can take amoxicillin with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, try taking it with food.
• Complete the prescribed course: Even if you feel better, it’s important to finish the entire prescribed course to ensure the infection is fully treated and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Important:

If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction (like trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash), stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.

Pharmacist Related Data

Zoxillin 500 mg (Amoxicillin)

Chemical Name:

• Chemical Name: (2S,5R,6R)-6-[Amino(hydroxy)methylidene]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid

Chemical Formula:

• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₅S
  • This represents the composition of amoxicillin (C, H, N, O, S stand for Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Sulfur respectively).

Molecular Weight:

• Molecular Weight: 365.4 g/mol

Pharmacodynamics:

Pharmacodynamics refers to the mechanism of action of the drug, i.e., how the drug affects the body.

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Amoxicillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan, a key structural component of bacterial cell walls. Without a functional cell wall, the bacteria cannot maintain their structural integrity, leading to cell lysis (destruction) and ultimately bacterial death.
  • It targets penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell membrane, preventing the final stages of cell wall formation.
• Spectrum of Activity:
  • Amoxicillin has a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. (except methicillin-resistant strains), Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., and others.
  • It is often used in combination therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease.

Pharmacokinetics:

Pharmacokinetics describes how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates a drug.

1. Absorption:
   • Amoxicillin is well absorbed after oral administration, with oral bioavailability around 90%.
   • It is absorbed in the small intestine and reaches peak plasma concentrations in 1 to 2 hours after administration.
2. Distribution:
   • Amoxicillin is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the lungs, middle ear, sinus fluid, urine, and pleural fluid. It also crosses the placenta and is excreted into breast milk.
   • It does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier well under normal conditions but can do so when the meninges are inflamed (e.g., in meningitis).
3. Metabolism:
   • Amoxicillin undergoes minimal metabolism in the liver. Most of the drug is eliminated unchanged in the urine.
   • It may be metabolized to a small extent into an inactive penicilloic acid derivative, but the majority is excreted unchanged.
4. Elimination:
   • Amoxicillin has an elimination half-life of about 1 to 1.5 hours in individuals with normal renal function.
   • It is primarily excreted by the kidneys via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.
   • Renal impairment can prolong the half-life and may necessitate dosage adjustments.

Drug Interactions:

Amoxicillin has several drug interactions that can affect its effectiveness or cause side effects. Here are some significant ones:

1. Probenecid:
   • Probenecid, a drug used to treat gout, can reduce the renal excretion of amoxicillin, leading to higher blood levels and a prolonged duration of action. This may increase the risk of side effects.
2. Oral Contraceptives:
   • Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Although this is a concern, it is generally considered a minimal interaction. Women using oral contraceptives may need to use backup contraception during treatment with amoxicillin.
3. Methotrexate:
   • Amoxicillin may increase blood levels of methotrexate, a drug used in cancer and autoimmune diseases, by reducing its renal clearance, which could increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity.
4. Allopurinol:
   • The combination of amoxicillin and allopurinol (used to treat gout) can increase the risk of developing a rash, a common side effect of amoxicillin.
5. Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin):
   • Amoxicillin can enhance the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) may be required.
6. Aminoglycosides (e.g., Gentamicin):
   • There is an increased risk of nephrotoxicity when amoxicillin is co-administered with aminoglycoside antibiotics. However, they may be used in combination for certain infections, but careful monitoring is necessary.

Drug-Food Interactions:

Amoxicillin has few significant food interactions, but there are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Food:
   • Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, especially if it causes gastrointestinal discomfort.
   • The absorption of amoxicillin is not significantly affected by food, so it remains effective regardless of meals.
2. Alcohol:
   • While alcohol does not directly interact with amoxicillin, excessive drinking can impair the immune system and hinder the recovery from bacterial infections.
   • It’s best to avoid alcohol or consume it in moderation while taking antibiotics.
3. Probiotic Foods:
   • Probiotics or foods like yogurt containing live cultures may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea or Clostridium difficile overgrowth, although this is not a direct drug-food interaction.