Amoxicillin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, August 07, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Amoxicillin, the generic form of the brand-name drug Amoxil, is a drug used to treat bacterial infections.

Amoxicillin is prescribed to patients who have infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to the drug, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Helicobacter pylori. The drug is also used to treat infections of the ears, lungs, nose, skin, stomach, and throat. Additionally, Amoxicillin is given to patients with urinary tract infections (UTI).

The drug is ineffective against infections due to viruses, like cold and flu.

Amoxicillin’s other brand names include Moxatag.

Known health risks or side effects of Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin may cause common side effects such as:

Changes in taste
Diarrhea
A headache
Nausea
Vomiting

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Hives
Itching
A rash
Severe diarrhea (with watery or bloody stools) that can occur with or without fever and stomach cramps that can occur at least two months or more following treatment
Skin blisters or peeling
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
Wheezing

List of organs that might be affected by Amoxicillin

An overdose of Amoxicillin may cause the following complications:

Changes in behavior
Confusion
A seizure, which may involve blacking out or convulsions
A severe skin rash
Urinating less than usual

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Amoxicillin

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Amoxicillin:

Echinacea/ purple coneflower – Echinacea is a common herbal antibiotic. It can be used to treat colds, the flu, and other infections. Echinacea has active substances that can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. The herb also possesses antioxidant, antiviral, and hormonal properties. Echinacea can help treat ear, sinus, urinary tract, and yeast infections.
Garlic – Garlic is a natural antibiotic and anti-fungal. It can also eliminate parasites.
Goldenseal – Goldenseal powder is a potent antibacterial and antifungal herb. The herb is effective against some common bacteria such as Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Chlamydia, S. penumoniae, E. coli, Giardia lamblia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. meningitides, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella dysenteriae, Streptomyces, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Vibrio cholerae. Goldenseal’s chemical component berberine is an antibiotic and disinfectant. The herb can also help treat allergies, colds, the flu, and upper respiratory infections.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Amoxicillin

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Amoxicillin:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – ACV can treat bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion since it can stimulate the release of digestive juices that help the body break down food.
Caraway seeds – Caraway seeds are full of vitamins and minerals that can prevent the growth of bad bacteria that causes bloating, gas, or indigestion. Additionally, caraway seeds can treat various stomach issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Papaya – Organic papaya can help prevent bloat and burping because it has papain, an enzyme that aids digestion. Papain can also prevent gas from forming in the stomach.