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What Are the Different Types of Amoxicillin Treatments?

Gregory Hanson
Gregory Hanson

Amoxicillin treatments are used to combat a number of different bacterial infections. In some cases these treatments may cure an active infection, while in others they may prevent infection. The precise type of treatment varies based on the specific circumstances of the patient being treated. Some amoxicillin treatments can be administered through several different oral delivery methods. Others are delivered intravenously.

All amoxicillin treatments are designed to combat some type of bacterial infection. In some instances, these treatments are meant to combat active infections. Strep throat is frequently treated with a course of amoxicillin. Many sexually-transmitted infections respond well to amoxicillin treatment, and the drug is also commonly used in treating urinary tract infections.

Amoxicillin in pill form.
Amoxicillin in pill form.

Other amoxicillin treatments are designed to prevent or control infection rather than to eliminate an active bacterial infection. Amoxicillin is commonly used to boost the resistance to infection of people whose immune systems have been damaged, especially people who lack a spleen. Acne, which is generally caused by bacteria, can be treated and largely prevented in many patients through the use of antibiotics, and amoxicillin is one common choice for this sort of treatment.

Amoxicillin may be used to treat urinary tract infections.
Amoxicillin may be used to treat urinary tract infections.

The most common delivery method for amoxicillin treatments is a series of time-release amoxicillin pills. These pills ensure that the level of antibiotic present in the bloodstream remains relatively constant, which ensures that bacterial populations never have an opportunity to recover. Careful spacing of doses is essential in order to ensure that the drug remains above a certain minimum concentration in the body, and the dosage spacing mandated by a pharmacist should be followed exactly, even if this entails getting up in the middle of the night to take a pill.

Amoxicillin is often prescribed to children to treat sore throats.
Amoxicillin is often prescribed to children to treat sore throats.

Another of the oral delivery options for amoxicillin treatments is designed to facilitate the use of the drug in children. Chewable amoxicillin tablets are sometimes used to deliver this medicine. Often, children are given amoxicillin treatments in the form of liquid medicine. This medicine can be compounded with several different flavor syrups in addition to the amoxicillin liquid. These are meant to make the drug more palatable for children to ensure better compliance with a drug treatment program.

Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.

In some cases, amoxicillin may be delivered intravenously. This type of treatment is most common in hospital settings. It may also be used when amoxicillin treatments are prescribed for patients, such as those who are unconscious, who are unable to follow other types of treatment programs, but who suffer from conditions requiring treatment with amoxicillin.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I think some strains of bacteria have started to build tolerance to amoxicillin. I was given amoxicillin for the treatment of typhoid fever, which I developed after a trip to the tropics. It didn't work and I had to switch to another, stronger antibiotic.

turquoise

@burcinc-- Have you seen a doctor?

I know that amoxicillin can be used for gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is treated with penicillin group antibiotics and amoxicillin is one of them. But I don't know if amoxicillin is the preferred treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

For adults, amoxicillin is usually prescribed 500-1500mg/day depending on the kind of infection and how serious it is. You really need to see a doctor because it can be dangerous to use antibiotics without doctor supervision. You could overdose or you might not take enough and that will make the infection worse. You certainly don't want that.

burcinc

Can amoxicillin be used for gonorrhea and chlamydia? If so, what is the regular dose and how long should it be taken for?

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    • Amoxicillin in pill form.
      By: Melpomene
      Amoxicillin in pill form.
    • Amoxicillin may be used to treat urinary tract infections.
      By: joshya
      Amoxicillin may be used to treat urinary tract infections.
    • Amoxicillin is often prescribed to children to treat sore throats.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Amoxicillin is often prescribed to children to treat sore throats.
    • Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
    • Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.
      By: ognianmed
      Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.
    • In some cases, amoxicillin can be administered by injecting it into a patient's intravenous line.
      By: tawesit
      In some cases, amoxicillin can be administered by injecting it into a patient's intravenous line.
    • The dosage spacing of amoxicillin that's recommended by a pharmacist should be followed.
      By: Deklofenak
      The dosage spacing of amoxicillin that's recommended by a pharmacist should be followed.
    • A syringe is recommended for giving exact dosages of liquid amoxicillin to young children and babies.
      By: Rachakrit
      A syringe is recommended for giving exact dosages of liquid amoxicillin to young children and babies.