ANTIBIOTICS
This section contains a partial listing of popular and useful antibiotics. It is not intended
to be a substitute for accepted references and texts. The lists do not in any way imply
endorsement of a particular antibiotic. Side effects, adverse reactions are those encountered
most often. Each patient must be provided information and be monitored by their clinician.
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Glossary of Abbreviations
Amoxicilin Extended-spectrum penicillin
Popular Brand Names
Amoxil, Apo-Amoxi, Larotid, Novamoxin, Polymox, Trimox, NuAmox, Wymox.
Dose/route:
Adult(150-pound patient with normal renal and hepatic function)
- PO 250-500 mg q6h depending on severity of infection.
Child (under 8)
- PO 20-40 mg/kg/day in divided doses q8h.
Drug action:
- Inhibits enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis of susceptible organisms.
- This creates an osmotically unstable cell wall that swells and bursts from osmotic pressure.
- This drug is bactericidal in normal doses.
- This drug is excreted through the renal system.
How supplied:
- Capsules in 250 and 500 mg;
- Chewable tablets: 125 mg,250 mg
- Powder for oral suspension: 50 mg/ml,125, 250 mg/5 ml.
Spectrum covered:
- This penicillin-like antibiotic is an exteded-spectrum penicillin.
- However, it has a limited activity against streptococci or oral anaerobes compared to penicillin V.
- Effective for strains of E. Coli, P. Mirabilis, H. Influenzae, S. Faecalis, S. pneumoniae.
Indications:
- Useful for sinus infections, pneumonia, otitis media, skin, and urinary tract infections.
- May be effective against early on-set or refractory periodontitis when used alone or in combination with metronidazole or clavulanic acid.
Drug interactions:
Amoxicillins can decrease the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives. Amoxicillins effectiveness can be decreased with concurrent
use of tetracyclines, erythromycins, and lincomycins. There is an increase in
amoxicillin concentrations with the use of probenecid. May decrease the
effectiveness of oral contraceptives
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to penicillins; neonates.
Side effects:
The penicillins are among the least toxic drugs known. They
rarely elicit adverse reactions in humans unless present in excessive
concentration. They can disrupt the normal gastrointestinal flora and cause
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, colitis, and anorexia. To
minimize diarrhea it is recommended that penicillin be taken with two to three
tablespoons of yogart, or a lactobacillum tablet. Fatal anaphylaxis is
estimated to occur in one in 10,000 users. At high doses penicillin can have
a toxic effect that can cause seizures, platelet dysfunction, hemolytic
anemias of an immunologic type, encephalitis, and nephritis.
Pseudomembraneous colitis is an occasional adverse reaction.
References:
Gage,T., Pickett, F.: Mosby's dental drug reference. Mosby publishing,
1996.
Neidle, E., Yageila, J.: Pharmacology and therapeutics for dentistry. Mosby
3rd edition. 1989.
Newman, M., Kornman, K.: Antibiotic/antimicrobial use in dental pratice.
Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. 1990.