List of the most likely amoxicillin side effects, from mild to serious: function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Have you ever taken amoxicillin? Amoxicillin or often also called amoxilin is a prescription antibiotic to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections. Starting from acute bronchitis, urinary tract infections (UTI), ENT infections (ear, nose, throat), skin infections, to ulcers. But just like medical drugs in general, there are several potential side effects of amoxicillin that you need to be aware of.

Amoxicillin side effects that you need to be aware of

Amoxicillin is a penicillin class of antibiotics. This medicine is available in the form of dry tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, suspension drugs, liquid suspension drugs, or drops for children.

The drug amoxilin works by preventing bacteria from multiplying and killing the infection-causing bacteria in your body.

Common side effects of amoxicillin include:

• Diarrhea. To prevent this, you can take medicine after eating. Avoid foods that can irritate digestion, such as dairy products or foods high in fiber. If you have diarrhea, don't forget to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Probiotic supplements can usually help with antibiotic-induced diarrhea as well.
• Stomach ache, nausea.
• Headache and dizziness. Drink lots of water and consume amoxicillin after meals to prevent it. Don't forget to get enough rest during treatment. Taking headache medicine can also relieve the pain.
• Trouble sleeping. Insomnia due to amoxicillin can include difficulty getting to sleep, getting up too quickly, or even flying more frequently at night.
• Vagina itching or vaginal discharge
• Swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue

Below are some of the side effects of amoxicillin that are quite serious. It is best if you do not drive or operate heavy machinery for a while while you are taking this antibiotic.

1. Allergic reactions

Amoxicillin can cause mild allergic reactions such as redness of the skin, itching, and bumps. Mild allergic reactions usually do not require special treatment and are sufficiently supervised so that they do not get worse.

If symptoms are bothersome, doctors usually give antihistamines and corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone. On the other hand, amoxicillin can also cause severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and shortness of breath.

If you or your family experience severe allergy symptoms, then you should seek medical help immediately. Keep in mind, amoxicillin can cause allergies that do not appear immediately. Which means that an allergic reaction can still appear, even after you stop taking these antibiotics.

If you know you have an allergy to amoxicillin or penicillin, tell your doctor so he can prescribe another medication to prevent an allergic reaction.

2. Respiratory problems

Shortness of breath can be a sign of an allergy due to the side effects of the drug amoxicillin. If you have trouble breathing, you can try the following:

• Breathe in through the lips that are slightly pressed together, inhale slowly and breathe deeper than usual.
• Do activities at a slower pace, avoid rushing to do something.
• Try not to hold your breath.
• Sit in front of the fan.

If your shortness of breath gets worse, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Stomach pain

Stomach pain is a common side effect after taking antibiotics. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Just like diarrhea, you can eat food first before taking this medicine to prevent it.

To treat indigestion due to amoxicillin, try to eat foods that are soft and easy to digest such as soup or biscuits. You can also take anti-nausea medications if the symptoms are bothersome.

However, if your pain is so intense that you are accompanied by vomiting or bloody stools, you should immediately consult a doctor.

4. Dizziness

Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking before your doctor prescribes amoxicillin.

Dizziness can be a symptom of anemia or an allergic drug reaction. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while until your dizziness subsides. While lying down, position your head higher than your heart. Support your head with a pillow. You can also take headache medication to relieve the symptoms.

If you experience severe dizziness or are accompanied by symptoms of tightness or swelling of the lips, face or tongue, you may have an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical assistance.

To prevent the side effects of dizziness, avoid drinking alcohol and alcohol while you are taking amoxicillin. Getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress can also help.

5. Jaundice

Jaundice or jaundice can be one of the side effects of taking amoxicillin. This happens because amoxicillin can cause liver damage. Usually this side effect occurs when this antibiotic is taken together with clavulanate.

Recognizing the early accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, decreased appetite and vomiting can help prevent the side effects from worsening. Immediately consult a doctor if you feel jaundice after taking amoxillin. Also keep in mind not to take this drug if you have liver problems.

6. Urinary problems

Amoxilin antibiotics can indeed treat urinary tract infection problems. but when used in the wrong dosage and usage, this can be dangerous.

The side effect of taking antibiotics when you have a UTI can cause the urine to become darker or darker in color. After that, there is also a risk of changes in blood, kidney function, or liver function.

Patients with kidney disease or other kidney problems are advised not to take amoxicillin. If you are taking this drug, make sure you drink it according to the dosage given by your doctor and don't forget to consume lots of water.

Dark and dark urine color is a serious side effect of using amoxicillin. So contact your doctor immediately if you experience it. In addition, be aware of the formation of crystals in the urine. This can cause pain when you urinate. To prevent this, consume plenty of water while you are on the medication.

List of drugs that can interact with amoxillin

Before prescribing the drug amoxicillin, doctors will generally ask a history of what drug allergies you have experienced. In addition, it is also important to tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking.

It is very important for the doctor to know what medication the patient is taking before prescribing amoxillin. This aims to avoid the risk of drug interactions that can cause drug efficacy to be drastically reduced. Amoxillin drug interactions can also increase the risk of poisoning because the overwhelmed kidneys flush out too much drug intake at one time.

The antibiotic drug amoxicillin can also affect the results of certain diagnostic tests, such as a urine glucose test. This can lead to false positive results.

Amoxilin is generally safe to be prescribed and combined with the drugs clarithromycin and lansoprazole. However, with other drugs, there may be interactions that can occur:

• Anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin
• Medicines to treat gout, such as probenecid and allopurinol
• Other antibacterial drugs such as chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines
• Methotrexate drug which can be used in cancer therapy

Foods to avoid while taking amoxicillin medications

1. Acidic foods and drinks

Highly acidic foods such as carbonated drinks, orange juice, lemon juice, chocolate, and tomato based products (ketchup) should be avoided when taking antibiotics.

Amoxillin is no exception, foods and drinks that taste sour can reduce the body's ability to absorb drugs optimally.

2. Milk-based products, except yogurt

Generally, milk-based food and beverage products can inhibit drug absorption due to their calcium content. According to Katrina Seidman of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, calcium and iron can affect your body's ability to absorb quinolones, a type of antibiotic.

If you have been taking calcium or iron supplements or consuming foods high in minerals, wait about three hours before taking antibiotics.

However, yogurt which is also made from milk is not one that should be avoided. This sour-tasting yogurt is a probiotic drink that can help the intestines work.

3. High fiber foods

High-fiber foods, such as vegetables and fruit as well as whole grains and nuts, are indeed healthy. But unfortunately it will slow down the absorption process of amoxicillin, worsening the symptoms of the drug's side effects.