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Drugs and Medicinal Substances

Amoxicillin

Antiinfective Agents for Systemic Use

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication belonging to the aminopenicillin class of the penicillin family. The drug is used to treat bacterial infections such as middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, odontogenic infections, and urinary tract infections.

Facts
Drug Class
Beta-lactam antibiotic (aminopenicillin) 4
Mechanism of Action
Attaches to bacterial cell walls and inhibits cross-linkage between peptidoglycan polymer chains, resulting in bacterial death. 4
Approved Use
Treats bacterial infections including middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections and urinary tract infections. 4
First Approved / Isolated Year
1972 4
Significant Risk
Nausea and rash; increased risk of yeast infections; not for those allergic to penicillin. 4
Classification
ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own account
J: Antiinfectives for Systemic Use 1
Route of Administration
Intramuscular 2
WHO Essential MedicineSourced to the subject's own account
Core List 3
Connections

Associated With

Antibiotics, Treatments

Treats

Bacterial Infection, Conditions
Source Amoxicillin (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code J
Quote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code J
Antiinfectives for systemic use
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2. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amoxicillin, lead section
Quote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amoxicillin, lead section
infections. It is taken orally, or less commonly by either intramuscular injection or by an IV bolus injection, which is a relatively quick intravenous injection lasting from a couple of seconds to a few minutes.
View the Source
3. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Wikipedia)
WikipediaWHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Access group antibiotics section
Quote, WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, Access group antibiotics section
Amoxicillin
View the Source
4. Amoxicillin (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation
  • Lead section
    middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, odontogenic infections, and urinary tract infections
  • Infobox, drug class
    aminopenicillin class of the penicillin family
  • Mechanism of action section
    inhibits cross-linkage between peptidoglycan polymer chains
  • History section
    Discovered in 1958; came into medical use in 1972
  • Adverse effects section
    Common adverse effects include nausea and rash
View the Source
Frequently Asked Questions

Who should not take amoxicillin?

Not for people allergic to penicillin; the dose may need reducing in kidney problems.

Amoxicillin should not be used in those who are allergic to penicillin. While it is usable in those with kidney problems, the dose may need to be decreased. Its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding does not appear to be harmful. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.

When was amoxicillin discovered and approved?

Discovered in 1958, in medical use from 1972, approved in the United States in 1974.

Amoxicillin was discovered in 1958 and came into medical use in 1972. Amoxil was approved for medical use in the United States in 1974, and in the United Kingdom in 1977.
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