Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet

What is Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet ?

Amoxicillin dispersible tablets are a form of the antibiotic medication amoxicillin that can be easily dissolved in water to create a suspension. Amoxicillin is a commonly used antibiotic in the penicillin group and is used to treat various bacterial infections.

The dispersible form of amoxicillin is particularly useful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, especially children or individuals with certain medical conditions. The tablet can be dissolved in a small amount of water to create a liquid suspension, making it easier to administer to those who may have difficulty swallowing solid medications.

Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet Uses

• Bacterial Infections: Amoxicillin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections (such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia), ear infections, throat infections (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and dental infections.
• H. pylori Infection: Amoxicillin is often used as part of a combination therapy to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and gastritis.
• Prevention of Endocarditis: Amoxicillin may be prescribed to individuals with certain heart conditions prior to dental or surgical procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis, a serious heart infection.
• Prophylaxis for Certain Infections: Amoxicillin can be used to prevent certain infections in individuals at risk, such as those with weakened immune systems or specific medical conditions.

Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology

• Inhibition of Cell Wall Synthesis: Amoxicillin interferes with the bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting the transpeptidase enzyme. This enzyme is essential for the cross-linking of peptidoglycans, a crucial component of the bacterial cell wall. By inhibiting this process, amoxicillin weakens the cell wall structure, making it more susceptible to rupture and cell death.
• Beta-Lactam Antibiotic: Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic, a class of antibiotics that contains a beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure. This ring is crucial for their antimicrobial activity as it binds to and inhibits enzymes involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis.
• Specificity for Bacteria: Amoxicillin primarily targets bacteria and has minimal effect on human cells. This specificity is due to the differences in the structure of bacterial cell walls compared to human cell walls.
• Broad Spectrum: Amoxicillin has a broad spectrum of activity, meaning it is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, its activity against certain bacteria may vary.
• Bactericidal Effect: Amoxicillin is bactericidal, meaning it directly kills susceptible bacteria rather than just inhibiting their growth. It achieves this by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial cell wall, causing the bacteria to lyse and die.

Amoxicillin Dispersible – Composition and Active Ingredients

• Active Ingredient:
  • Amoxicillin: It’s the primary antibiotic component responsible for treating bacterial infections.
• Inactive Ingredients (Excipients):
  • Disintegrants: These help the tablet dissolve or break down quickly in liquid. Common disintegrants include crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, or sodium starch glycolate.
  • Sweeteners: Often used to improve the taste and palatability of the dissolved tablet. Common sweeteners can include aspartame, sucrose, or saccharin.
  • Flavors: Added to improve the taste and make the liquid more pleasant to consume. Common flavors can include fruit flavors or other natural or artificial flavorings.
  • Coloring Agents: Used to give the tablet a specific color, often for identification and aesthetic purposes. Coloring agents can be natural or artificial.
  • Stabilizers: These help maintain the stability and integrity of the tablet. They may include substances like colloidal silicon dioxide.
  • Antimicrobial Preservatives: These can be added to extend the shelf life of the tablet or the dissolved liquid. Common preservatives include methylparaben and propylparaben.

Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablet – Side-effects

• Gastrointestinal Upset:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Rash or hives
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Digestive System:
  • Black, hairy tongue
  • Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
  • Inflammation of the intestines (colitis)
• Nervous System:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
• Skin and Soft Tissue:
  • Skin rash
  • Itching
• Hypersensitivity Reactions:
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin condition)
  • Erythema multiforme (an allergic skin reaction)