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.
