Unimox

Description

Unimox Tablet: Amoxicillin 500mg

Unimox Tablet is an antibiotic containing Amoxicillin 500mg, manufactured by Elder Pharmaceuticals. It’s available in Nepal for 9.00 NPR per tablet.

What Is It Used For? (Indications)

Unimox Tablet is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including those affecting the:

• Respiratory Tract: Pharyngitis, acute otitis media (ear infection), acute bacterial sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract infections.
• Urinary & Genital Tract: Acute uncomplicated gonorrhea, chlamydial cervicitis, chlamydial urethritis, and genitourinary tract infections.
• Skin & Soft Tissue: Infections of the skin and skin structure.
• Gastrointestinal Tract: Salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and H. pylori infection (when used with other medications).
• Other: Endocarditis, anthrax, Lyme disease, and dental abscesses.

How to Use (Dosage & Administration)

You can take Unimox Tablet with or without food. Taking it with meals might help with better absorption and reduce stomach discomfort.

Adult Dosage:

• General Infections: 250-500 mg every 8 hours by mouth (PO) or injection (IV/IM).
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: 3 grams as a single dose by mouth, usually with probenecid.
• Dental Abscesses: 3 grams by mouth, repeated once 8 hours later.
• Uncomplicated Acute UTI: 3 grams by mouth, repeated once 10-12 hours later.
• Endocarditis Prophylaxis (before dental procedures): 2 or 3 grams as a single dose by mouth, 1 hour before the procedure.
• Severe or Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections: 3 grams twice daily by mouth.
• H. pylori Infection: 500 mg three times a day by mouth, in combination with either metronidazole or clarithromycin and a bismuth compound or an antisecretory drug.
• Listerial Meningitis (IV/IM): 2 grams every 4 hours for 10-14 days, with other antibiotics.

Child Dosage (Oral):

• Standard Dose: 40–45 mg/kg per day, divided every 8-12 hours.
• High Dose: 80–90 mg/kg per day (maximum 4 grams/day), divided every 12 hours.
• For Penicillin-Resistant S. pneumoniae Otitis Media: 150 mg/kg per day, divided every 8 hours.

Renal Impairment Dosage:

• Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) 10-30 ml/min: 250-500 mg every 12 hours.
• CrCl <10 ml/min: 250-500 mg every 24 hours.
• Patients on Hemodialysis: Should receive 250-500 mg every 24 hours, plus an additional dose during and after each dialysis session.

Important Considerations

Contraindications:

• Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to amoxicillin or other penicillins.

Precautions:

• Use with caution if you have kidney or liver disease.
• Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Amoxicillin is excreted in breast milk.
• Special caution is needed if you have infectious mononucleosis, as it can increase the risk of rash.

Drug Interactions:

• May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (OC).
• May increase the effect of anticoagulants (blood thinners).
• Allopurinol can increase the risk of allergic reactions.
• Probenecid increases and prolongs amoxicillin blood levels.
• Chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines may interfere with amoxicillin’s bactericidal effect.

Potential Side Effects (Adverse Effects)

Most side effects are mild, but some can be serious.

• Common: Hyperactivity, agitation, insomnia, dizziness; skin rashes (maculopapular rash, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, hypersensitivity vasculitis); diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), leucopenia (low white blood cells), agranulocytosis (very low white blood cells).
• Potentially Fatal: Neuromuscular hypersensitivity reactions; pseudomembranous colitis (severe colon inflammation).

How It Works (Mechanism of Action)

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic. It works by inhibiting the final step of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It binds to specific proteins (penicillin-binding proteins or PBPs) that are crucial for building the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. This action disrupts the cell wall, leading to bacterial lysis (cell breakdown) and death.

Disclaimer: This information about Unimox Tablet is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.