Antibiotics are antibacterial medications used for a wide range of infections. Of such meds, drugs based on penicillin are widely used. Discovered by Fleming, Alexander – penicillin was put to use to treat ocular infections in the early 1930s. There are several sub-genres under this family of drugs. Amoxicillin is one of the drugs belonging to a sub-genre called aminopenicillin. This medication is used for treating ear-based infections, lung conditions such as pneumonia, skin-based conditions, etc. But, does amoxicillin treat urinary tract infections? It helps to have more inputs.
Many species of microbes like bacteria are harmless. But a few species may trigger infections. Your immunity cells help fight these infections. But, when microbial strands multiply in large numbers, these may lead to medical conditions. For instance, conditions like tuberculosis bear a very high level of disease burden. Bacterial strands remain the causes of typhoid, syphilis, pneumonia, etc. In the developing world, bacteria-triggered mortality levels continue to be high.
Microbes such as bacteria are known to damage your tissues and eventually have an adverse impact on the functioning of the infected tissues. The host-cells are impaired by provoking a response which release toxins or damage healthy cells of tissues. Here, you need to know that minerals like iron paly a key role in the growth of bacteria.
What is amoxicillin?
This is one of the popular antibiotic drugs which is grouped under aminopenicillin category of meds. Caregivers administer this med for tooth-based infections, strep throat, inner-ear infections, etc. It is usually taken through the oral route; in some rare instances, it is administered as an injection.
This drug was discovered in the late-1950s, and brought out for public use in the early-1970s. This is considered an essential drug by the World Health Organization. With nearly 15-million prescription-orders per year, it ranks among the top 50 commonly administered medications in the US.
It is used due to its faster better ability to be absorbed, and for being effective against both gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacteria. Another noteworthy benefit is amoxicillin is available as a generic med. Such offerings help save on drug costs.
Does amoxicillin treat urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infection is also termed as bladder infections. These may occur when bacterial strands enter into the urinary tract, kidneys or urinary bladder. The symptoms of urinary tract infections include a burning sensation in the tract, pain in the pelvic floor as well as need to pee on an urgent mode. In general, antibiotics are used for treating such infections.
The type of antibiotic med used for treatment depends on test results of your urine, and also how did you acquire the infection. Amoxicillin is used for several types of infections, but is not commonly used for urinary tract infections (UTI). This drug is also not among the first-line options for the treatment of UTI. However, it can turn to be quite effective in some instances.
If used for treating UTI, the standard dose is 500 milligrams (mg) taken three times each day. Beware of a few adverse effects amoxicillin is likely to cause; these include fungal or yeast-based infections, abdominal conditions like vomiting and / or nausea. It is a good practice to consult with a qualified medical professional upon sensing the typical signs of UTI. Some of the first-line options for treating such infections include cephalexin, fosfomycin, etc.
Points related to safe use of amoxicillin
If your current treatment includes meds like warfarin, dabigatran or other anticoagulants, inform your doctor of such medication plans. These meds can interact adversely with amoxicillin. Some users may develop infections caused by C. difficile.
In such cases, intake of antidiarrheal meds is of little use; upon experiencing spells of diarrhea, talk to your caregiver quickly. Above all, to know more on does amoxicillin treat urinary tract infection speak with your treating doctor.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Journalism with a minor in Nutrition from Northwestern University. Experience: 15 years as a health journalist, writing for major publications like The New York Times and TIME, with a focus on diet, exercise, and chronic disease management.