Video: Amoxicillin: Antibiotic Action and Appropriate Uses

A look at how amoxicillin works and which bacterial infections it can treat

>> Hello and welcome to "VideoScript", presented by Drugs.com.

Today in the first of three presentations, we are reviewing amoxicillin, a common antibiotic used safely in both children and adults.

Amoxicillin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as aminopenicillins. It is chemically similar to penicillin but has a broader spectrum of antibacterial activity.

Amoxicillin works by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. It has activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is NOT effective against viral infections such as a cold or the flu.

Amoxicillin is available generically and by many different brand names. Immediate-release, extended-release, and liquid formulations of amoxicillin are available.

Generic amoxicillin is frequently dispensed at the pharmacy, and it is safe, effective and often more affordable than brand name products.

Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as ear or sinus infections, and strept throat.

Amoxicillin is also used with another antibiotic called clarithromycin and a proton pump inhibitor, such as lansoprazole, to treat stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.
There are many other types of infections that amoxicillin would be appropriate for, and a health care provider can determine if amoxicillin is the best choice for you.

Thank you for joining us at Drugs.com for a brief review of amoxicillin. Please refer to our patient and professional information, drug interaction checker, and additional tools on Drugs.com.

Patients with a concern about the use of amoxicillin should consult with their health care provider.

Visit drugs.com/amoxicillin for more information

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