“Amoxiclav” during pregnancy: instructions for use

Taking medication during pregnancy can be intimidating and uncertain. One medication that is frequently prescribed during pregnancy is "Amoxiclav," an antibiotic that is frequently suggested to treat infections. How safe is it, though, for you and your child?

It’s critical to comprehend "Amoxiclav’s" mechanism of action, when it should be taken, and any possible risks or advantages. We’ll go over everything you need to know about taking this medication while pregnant in this article.

We’ll walk you through the essentials of "Amoxiclav" during pregnancy, whether you’re dealing with a common infection or just want to be prepared.

Aspect Details
Drug Name Amoxiclav
Category Antibiotic
Use During Pregnancy Amoxiclav is generally considered safe during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Dosage The dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific condition and pregnancy stage.
Side Effects Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider.
Precautions Use only under medical supervision. Inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or other medications being taken.

When antibiotics are required during pregnancy, amoxiclav is frequently prescribed; however, in order to protect the health of both the mother and the unborn child, its use should be guided by a doctor’s advice. This article explains possible side effects, what to look out for during treatment, and how and when to take "Amoxiclav" safely. It is straightforward and easy to understand.

Features of the drug

"Amoxiclav" is produced in Slovenia by Lek. It is presented in three different forms. Adults are most often prescribed tablets, which are distinguished by their elongated shape and white dense shell. They are sold in jars or blisters of 10-21 pieces per pack. In childhood, "Amoxiclav" is usually prescribed in suspension. This form is represented by a dark glass bottle with a white powder inside. By adding water inside, you get a homogeneous sweet liquid that smells like fruit. The third form of the drug is powder for injections. It is packaged in sterile vials, diluted with saline or water for injection, and then administered intravenously. In addition, there is also "Amoxiclav Quicktab". Such a drug is tablets with a fruity taste and a yellow tint. They are dispersible, that is, after contact with water they dissolve very quickly to form a sweet suspension. This version of the antibiotic is sold in packages of 10-14 tablets.

All types of "Amoxiclav", including "Quicktab", contain two active compounds that "work" together. The first is an antibacterial substance called amoxicillin. Its dosage per tablet can be 250 and 500 mg, as well as 875 mg, per dispersible tablet – 500 and 875 mg. In suspension, the amount of antibiotic per 5 ml can be 125, 250 or 400 mg, and one bottle of powder for injection contains 500 or 1000 mg of amoxicillin. The second active ingredient of all forms of the drug is clavulanic acid. Such a "companion" is added to amoxicillin in different proportions. Its amount in any of the tablets, including dispersible ones, is 125 mg, regardless of the dosage of the antibacterial compound. But in other forms, the dosage of clavulanic acid is different and depends on the dosage of amoxicillin. So, in powder for injections it is 5 times less, and in suspension with a dosage of 125 and 250 mg – 4 times less.

Principle of action

One class of penicillin antibiotics that affects a wide range of pathogens is amoxicillin. The antibacterial effect of clavulanic acid on pathogens is broader as a result of its addition. This is because some microbes have the capacity to produce the enzymes beta-lactamase. These enzyme combinations make penicillins less effective, but clavulanic acid prevents them from working, so "Amoxiclav" works even against bacteria that amoxicillin alone cannot kill. The medication is prescribed to treat infections caused by hemophilic rods, bacteroids, clostridium, enterococci, Escherichia coli, streptococci, and many other infectious agents. This makes it suitable for prescription for a range of illnesses brought on by pathogenic microorganisms.

Is it allowed during pregnancy?

The period of waiting for a child is noted in the annotation to all forms of "Amoxiclav" in the section "take with caution". The drug has no direct contraindications and can be prescribed to expectant mothers, if the benefit of its use outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. At the same time, in the 1st trimester, for example, at 8 weeks, you should refuse to take such a drug, if such an opportunity exists. In the early stages, "Amoxiclav" is prescribed only in serious cases when the infection is much more dangerous than its treatment. If a woman has chronic bacterial diseases, it is recommended to treat them at the stage of pregnancy planning, to prevent exacerbation in the first trimester and to exclude the prescription of drugs during this important period. This will help to avoid a frozen pregnancy and other complications.

Amoxiclav is generally safe to use in the second and third trimesters, but there is still a chance of side effects, so the medication should only be taken after a doctor’s examination. A specialist will determine whether antibacterial therapy is necessary and whether there are any contraindications. They will also choose an appropriate treatment plan that won’t have any unfavorable effects.

When prescribed?

  • purulent tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media and other infections in the ENT organs;
  • bacterial bronchial infection or pneumonia;
  • cystitis and other infections of the excretory system;
  • microbial damage to joints, skin, bone tissue, ligaments or subcutaneous tissue;
  • odontogenic infection;
  • purulent inflammation of the bile ducts;
  • bacterial infection of the genitals.

Contraindications

Amoxiclav treatment is not advised in the following situations, as well as in cases where the patient is allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients:

  • if a woman is allergic to other penicillin drugs or cephalosporin drugs;
  • if the patient"s severe liver disease has caused dysfunction;
  • if the expectant mother has infectious mononucleosis.

Individual dosage selection is necessary in cases of severe kidney damage (usually a reduction based on test results). Amoxiclav should only be used under strict medical supervision in women who have previously experienced a severe gastrointestinal reaction to any antibiotic.

Side effects

Some women experience adverse digestive side effects from Amoxiclav, including bouts of vomiting, appetite loss, excruciating nausea, or stomach pain. Furthermore, the drug can:

  • impair liver function or cause jaundice;
  • cause fungal stomatitis or other candidal infection;
  • cause itchy skin, Quincke"s edema, or other allergic reactions;
  • negatively affect hematopoiesis, due to which the level of platelets and leukocytes will decrease;
  • cause headaches or difficulty sleeping;
  • impair kidney function.

In order to modify the course of treatment, the expectant mother should notify her doctor right away if she encounters any such side effects.

How to take?

Take Amoxiclav tablets by mouth, being careful not to scuff the film coating. One Quicktab tablet requires thirty milliliters of water to dissolve. Such an antibiotic can also be placed in your mouth, allowed to dissolve with saliva, and then swallowed. In accordance with the annotation and markings on the bottle, if a woman uses a suspension, the powder must be diluted with clean water prior to treatment. Pour the liquid into the bottle in two stages, shaking hard after each one and closing the bottle.

The tablets and suspension of Amoxiclav should be taken at the start of a meal to avoid the ingredients affecting digestion when taken orally. Taking into consideration the quantity of amoxicillin, the doctor determines each patient’s dosage individually.

Injections might be used if a pregnant woman’s infection is determined to be severe. One of the infusion solutions is used to dilute the powder before performing them. The medication is injected into a vein gradually. Such "Amoxiclav" is frequently prescribed as droppers, allowing the patient to take the antibiotic in one dose in 30 to 40 minutes.

While there are many variables that go into determining how long a course should last, "Amoxiclav" usually needs to be injected or consumed for at least five days.

If you discontinue taking the drug before your doctor advises, bacteria are more likely to become resistant, which could lead to the disease going untreated. This is why, even if the expectant mother is feeling well already, treatment cannot be stopped earlier.

Reviews

The majority of reviews left by women who were prescribed "Amoxiclav" while expecting a child are positive. They attest to the antibiotic’s efficacy against a variety of illnesses, including pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, middle ear inflammation, and bronchitis. The drug’s many forms, reasonable cost, and broad antibacterial spectrum are listed as benefits. Patients report that while the medication is generally well tolerated, there are occasional adverse reactions, such as nausea and allergic symptoms.

Pregnant women may find "Amoxiclav" to be a safe and effective antibiotic when prescribed by a physician. To reduce unnecessary risks, it’s critical to adhere to your healthcare provider’s dosage and recommendations.

It’s wise to consider the advantages and disadvantages of any medication before taking it while pregnant. Making the best choice for your health and the health of your unborn child can be facilitated by talking through any worries you may have with your doctor.

While taking "Amoxiclav," if you experience any side effects or strange symptoms, get in touch with your doctor right away for more guidance.

Video on the topic

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Anna Petrova

Child psychologist with 10 years of experience. I work with children and parents, helping to understand the intricacies of upbringing, psycho-emotional development and the formation of healthy relationships in the family. I strive to share useful tips so that every child feels happy and loved.

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