July is Group B Streptococcus (Group B Strep, GBS) Awareness Month. GBS diseases encompass infections caused by the GBS bacteria, which commonly reside in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. GBS is the leading cause of postpartum infections and neonatal sepsis, and it is strongly linked to congestive heart failure in frail, elderly adults. Amoxicillin, a first-line antibiotic used to treat GBS, is a staple in every dentist's toolkit. Take a couple of minutes to brush up your knowledge on the #1 antibiotic prescribed by dentists:
Generic Name: Amoxicillin
Brand Name(s): Amoxil, Larotid (Moxatag brand discontinued in the U.S.)
Pronunciation: am OX i sil in
About this drug:
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.
It will not cure the common cold, flu, or viruses.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Amoxicillin may cause a black hairy tongue, candidiasis, taste changes, or tooth discoloration. The liquid formulation causes discoloration which may be reduced or eliminated with good brushing or dental cleaning.
Serious and life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome may occur more often with Amoxicillin or Penicillin allergies.
Advise the patient to call their physician or the dental office if they develop severe bloody diarrhea before taking any over-the-counter medications. There is an increased risk for C. difficile-associated infection.
Amoxicillin is excreted into breast milk. Exercise caution when prescribing Amoxicillin to a breastfeeding patient, as this may lead to sensitization of babies.
Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Gentamicin in combination with Amoxicillin may increase bactericidal efficacy while tetracycline antibiotics may decrease bactericidal efficacy.
Combining anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and the narcotic Tramadol with Amoxicillin may alter seizure control.
The blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) in combination with Amoxicillin may increase the risk of bleeding including serious bleeding. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Amoxicillin kills bacteria by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis.
This medication may decrease the efficacy of the hormonal contraceptive, and the patient may become pregnant. Recommend a backup non-hormonal birth control method such as condoms or diaphragm with spermicide.
In 2021, Amoxicillin was the most popular antibiotic prescribed in the U.S., ranking at #38 among all medications with over 16.6 million prescriptions.
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