Cranberries have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat bladder and kidney diseases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They have also become best known for their preventative nature when it comes to urinary tract infections, which are also generally treated by the antibiotic amoxicillin. The use of complementary medicine such as cranberries is growing in the United States. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 percent of all Americans use some form of complementary medicine. While many of these alternative medicines can interact with traditional medications, cranberry juice and amoxicillin do not have any negative interactions.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice comes from the berries of the cranberry shrub, which grows throughout North America. It is most commonly used in the prevention of urinary tract infections, but is also used for the treatment of bladder disease, increasing urine flow, killing germs and reducing the smell of urine in patients with urinary incontinence. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is believed that chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract. This inhibits bacterial growth. However, it does not have the ability to release bacteria that have already attached to cells. In this sense, it works to prevent, but not treat, urinary tract conditions.
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections and to eliminate the H. pylori bacteria. It comes in many forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, suspension liquid and pediatric drops and can be taken with or without food. As with all antibiotic medications, it is important to take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed for the duration of the prescription. Just because you may feel better after taking a few doses, do not stop taking amoxicillin, as the full dose is necessary to kill the bacteria. Amoxicillin may cause side effects such as upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.
Medical Research
Because cranberry juice is usually recommended to prevent urinary tract infections, it is commonly recommended to take during a urinary tract infection as well. Because of this, and the fact that amoxicillin is used to treat urinary tract infections, researchers have looked for possible interactions between the two. A study from researchers in the department of pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, published in the July 2009 issue of "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy," looked at the effect of cranberry juice on amoxicillin. They found that cranberry juice may delay the absorption of amoxicillin, but has no significant effect on the absorption and that when used as a prophylaxis, cranberry juice will not alter the effectiveness of amoxicillin.
Considerations
While the use of cranberry juice does not affect the use of amoxicillin, there are considerations to look at before taking cranberry juice. Cranberry juice contains salicylic acid, which can affect blood clotting in your body. If you take medications such as Coumadin to thin your blood, drinking cranberry juice can increase your risk of bleeding. Talk with your physician before adding cranberry juice to your regular diet.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States; December 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Cranberry; November 17, 2008
- MedlinePlus; Cranberry; June 17, 2011
- MedlinePlus; Amoxicillin; September 1, 2008
- "Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy"; Effects of Cranberry Juice on Pharmacokinetics of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Following Oral Administration; M. Li, et al; July 2009
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