Amoxicillin Side Effects: Why I and Others Must be Cautious with this Drug

Amoxicillin has been hailed as a wonder drug, and it can certainly keep some people from dying from bacterial infections and disease. I wouldn’t really know. Why? Because I can’t take it without going into anaphylactic shock.

Disclaimer: nothing in this article is meant to substitute for the advice of a doctor or medical expert.

I have been told that I took it once and did fine on it. This makes sense if you read about how anaphylactic shock occurs. You can see the information here: www.emedicinehealth.com/severe_allergic_reaction_anaphylactic_shock/article_em.htm In the early stages of a drug reaction, before, side effects from any drug can be mild and not full-blown anaphylactic shock. Many people even discount those early reactions which can include mild itching, a case of the sniffles, a slight headache, etc.

But the next time – or the time after that – may result in anaphylactic shock. In severe cases, the body breaks out in hives and breathing becomes difficult to impossible. I was one who had that type of reaction.

It is a genuine emergency. That much I know – because I’ve been given amoxicillin by mistake even though I now wear have a special medical alert in my purse. I also have a special wristband but I can’t always wear it. So I have both, wristband and medical alert notification. Unfortunately (and this was the case with me) some people can take amoxicillin one or more times before the body starts reacting. The first reaction might be a few hives or a slight tickling or choking sensation. Those bothersome, but mild, reactions should never be ignored. Trust me on this because your life could depend on it.

Why amoxicillin is used

Amoxicillin is in the penicillin group of drugs. It is used primarily to treat bacterial infections, bladder conditions and even stomach ulcers. It can cure some venereal diseases and even treat E. Coli or Salmonella outbreaks. One major advantage of this drug is that it is not considered harmful to unborn babies. Many women have used it during pregnancy. When it first appeared on the scene, it was truly a wonder drug. A child or adult could be very ill one day and amoxicillin could wipe out the bacteria quickly and effectively. It seemed a win/win situation, except for those who suffered amoxocillin side effects.

Why I can’t use amoxicillin

I was allergic to penicillin first. Amoxicillin is considered a form of penicillin drugs. I’ve also had mononucleosis and the information here www.drugs.com/amoxicillin.html indicates that anyone who had mono should not take amoxicillin without undergoing special tests or notifying a doctor for the right dosage. So I’m possibly at added risk due to a history of mononucleosis. It was a mild case but it still ups my risk factors.

Side effects I experienced

In my case, I had severe itching and then an outbreak of hives. I was just outside a medical facility and getting into my car. Even so, I barely got back inside and only with the help of a bystander. Not only did I feel faint but I literally couldn’t breathe! If I’d been at home when I took that medication, I doubt I’d have made it back to the medical center. It was a very frightening experience.

Not only that but my face looked very swollen, according to the person who helped me get back into the medical center. One look in a mirror and I knew he was right. It looked like someone had squirted water in my veins and puffed up my face! The transformation was eerie but I was too busy struggling for air to notice – or care – much about that.

After being given appropriate treatment of epinephrine, I was feeling better. It took several shots, though, before the side effects from amoxicillin started to disappear. I was left with a racing heart and the sensation that I’d just had about ten cups of coffee. Still, it was better than the side effects. After that, I was given a prescription for an Epi-pen and told never to take amoxicillin again. They didn’t need to reinforce that point! I never wanted to feel like that again.

Why everyone should know about the risks versus the benefits of amoxicillin

Recently, there has been a type of infection known as MRSA, a type of Staph bacteria that is resistant to amoxicillin and other drugs. Even if you aren’t allergic to amoxicillin, you might want to consider using another drug, if possible. If you have a MRSA infection, the amoxicillin may not work because of the fact that it may have evolved into a form that can’t be killed by “cillin” type drugs, including amoxicillin. You can read about that here: www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/providers_mrsa060705.php

After reading that information, you might want to think carefully about how often you take amoxicillin – and why. Some doctors believe that overuse of this drug has led to stronger bacteria. I agree. We don’t automatically reach for drugs when one of us has a mild cold or cough. Instead, we keep an eye on things like fever, lethargy, sleepiness and facial color. I trust my instincts as a parent and that keeps the use of antibiotics to a minimum.

When we need them, I use them. However, I’m wary of amoxicillin and I never take it. I’m not playing with my life again – not if I can help it.

Reference:

• www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/providers_mrsa060705.php