Cystitis refers to an inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by a bacterial infection, an adverse drug reaction, radiation therapy or irritation from products such as urinary catheters or spermicidal jellies, states MayoClinic.com. Cystitis from a bacterial infection is also known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Physicians often prescribe a penicillin-like antibiotic called amoxicillin for cystitis. In some cases, doctors prefer Augmentin, a combination drug made up of amoxicillin plus clavulanate, according to DailyMed.com.
Effects
Some bacteria that infect the urinary tract secrete a substance called beta-lactamase that reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics such as amoxicillin. The clavulanate found in Augmentin inhibits the negative effect of the beta-lactamase and lets amoxicillin do its job, states Daily Med.
Types
Amoxicillin works well against many of the beta-lactamase-negative bacteria that cause cystitis, including E. coli, P. mirabilis and E. faecalis, according to Daily Med. Augmentin does a better job of fighting bladder infections from beta-lactamase-producing strains of E. coli, as well as various species of Klebsiella and Enterobacter.
Indications
According to the Mayo Clinic website, antibiotics like amoxicillin are the first line of defense against bacterial cystitis. As the infection resolves, patients see an improvement in UTI symptoms such as frequent, burning urination and low-grade fever.
Contraindications
Amoxicillin and Augmentin should not be prescribed for non-bacterial cystitis. Neither form of amoxicillin is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, a very resistant bacteria that's increasingly prevalent in hospitals and the community.
Dosage
For mild to moderate cystitis in adults, the recommended dose of amoxicillin is 500mg every 12 hours or 250mg three times a day, explains RxList.com. For severe cystitis, the dose is 875mg twice a day or 500mg of amoxicillin every eight hours. Children need 25mg/kg per day in two equal doses or 20 mg/kg per day in three doses for mild to moderate UTIs. Children with severe bladder infections should receive 45mg/kg per day divided into two doses or 40mg/kg per day in three equal doses.
Tips
Amoxicillin and Augmentin come in infant drops, oral suspensions, chewable tablets, capsules and regular tablets. Patient or parents should discuss the right dosage form with the prescribing physician.
Warnings
Amoxicillin and Augmentin can cause life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. It's important to obtain immediate medical attention for any severe itching, hives, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or facial swelling that occurs during the course of antibiotic therapy for cystitis.
