Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections of your ears, bladder and lungs (pneumonia), says Drugs.com. It is also used to treat the sexually-transmitted disease known as gonorrhea and food-borne illnesses caused by salmonella and E. coli. Inform your doctor about your current medications, because combining them with amoxicillin can lead to adverse side effects.
Mild Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Amoxicillin's mild side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and vaginal itching or discharge. Your tongue may change color and turn black, and it may become swollen. In some cases, amoxicillin can cause an infection in your mouth called thrush. Thrush is characterized by white patchy growths on your mouth and throat. Tell your doctor if these minor effects develop, and she may adjust your amoxicillin dosage.
Severe Side Effects
MedlinePlus states that amoxicillin's dangerous side effects include convulsions, extreme fatigue and jaundice (a condition where your skin or eyes turn yellow). Convulsions are the result of disorganized electrical activity in your brain. Jaundice may be the result of liver problems. Amoxicillin can also cause the formation of hives (red itchy welts) and rashes on your skin. Paleness and abnormal bleeding or bruising are other dangerous side effects of amoxicillin. Alert your doctor when these side effects emerge.
Blood Problems
According to the National Library of Medicine, amoxicillin can also cause changes your blood cells. For example, amoxicillin can lead to anemia (low red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and leukopenia (low white blood cells). Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen. White blood cells help fight infection and platelets help in wound healing. Anemia leads to fatigue and shortness of breath. Leukopenia makes you susceptible to infections and thrombocytopenia makes you prone to easy bruising and bleeding.
Mental State
Amoxicillin can also lead to psychiatric side effects. According to Drugs.com, amoxicillin can cause confusion and agitation. Hyperactivity, anxiety and other behavior changes are other side effects of amoxicillin, says the National Library of Medicine. Simply discontinuing this medication under your doctor's supervision can stop these psychological changes.
Other Physical Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that amoxicillin can turn your teeth gray, yellow or brown. It can also increase your risk for such serious skin diseases as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme.
Member Comments