Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat infections that bacteria cause, including pneumonia, bronchitis and ear and throat infections. It’s also used to combat the H. pylori bacteria, which causes ulcers. This antibiotic can have side effects. Chewable amoxicillin tablets also contain phenylalanine, a substance that can cause serious side effects in some people.
Phenylalanine Effects
Phenylalanine is an amino acid. If you have the hereditary disease phenylketonuria, or PKU, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult a doctor before taking amoxicillin chewable tablets due to the phenylalanine content. Consuming phenylalanine can cause seizures, brain damage, mental retardation and other problems if you have PKU. With PKU, you lack an enzyme your body needs to use phenylalanine. Phenylalanine doesn’t pose a health concern for most people, according to registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of MayoClinic.com.
Phenylalanine Forms and Interactions
As a dietary supplement, phenylalanine is available in three forms. These are D-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanine and DL-phenylalanine, a half-and-half blend of D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine also is found in protein-containing foods and the artificial sweetener aspartame. D-phenylalanine is made synthetically and is not found in food. DL-phenylalanine can cause anxiety and hyperactivity in children. It also may worsen symptoms of tardive dyskinesia when taken with antipsychotic drugs. Consult a health care provider before combining phenylalanine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, baclofen, levodopa, selegiline or neuroleptic drugs.
Amoxicillin Side Effects
Amoxicillin can have numerous side effects. These include vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach. Serious side effects that merit medical attention include hives, severe skin rashes, yellowed skin or eyes, pale skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, seizures and excessive tiredness, according to PubMed Health. This drug also may cause liver problems, notes the Physicians’ Desk Reference.
Amoxicillin Drug Interactions
Taking amoxicillin with other drugs may decrease, increase or otherwise alter their effects. According to Physicians’ Desk Reference, it’s especially important to check with a health care provider before you combine amoxicillin with estrogen, chloramphenicol, oral contraceptives, probenecid, other antibiotics -- including tetracycline -- and sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This drug’s effects during pregnancy are unknown, so use it only when it’s clearly needed during this time. Amoxicillin also may appear in your breast milk. Immediately inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
