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Generic Name: Amoxicillin
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Polymox closely resembles other penicillin-type antibiotics. This medicine
is frequently prescribed because of its broad-spectrum activity against a large
number of bacteria.
Polymox is effective in fighting infections in many
parts of the body including the urinary tract, lungs, ears, throat and genital
tract.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common side effects of amoxicillin
involve digestive tract upset. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be troublesome
for some people.
Less common but possibly more serious side effects
include liver enzyme elevations, anemia, blood disorders and psychological
reactions.
Report any such symptoms to your physician promptly.
Long-term treatment with Polymox or any other penicillin-type antibiotic
requires periodic monitoring by a health professional.
Special Precautions
Because Polymox is related to penicillin, anyone who is allergic to this class of antibiotics must generally avoid such drugs like the plague.
Symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, sneezing, hives, itching, and skin rash require immediate emergency treatment.
Life-threatening anaphylactic shock may produce an inability to breathe and cardiovascular collapse and can occur within minutes of exposure.
If you are allergic to penicillin and you ever have to go into the hospital, make sure a sign is placed over the bed alerting hospital personnel to penicillin allergy.
Taking the Medicine
The most effective way to swallow amoxicillin is probably on an empty stomach with a full
eight-ounce glass of water. That usually means at least one hour before eating or two hours after
food.
There is some disagreement among health professionals on this matter, however, and if
Polymox upsets your stomach it may be taken with meals without losing potency.
Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation on how best to take Polymox.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000