Amoxicillin: A Popular Penicillin Antibiotic in Zambia
Amoxicillin is one of the most sought-after penicillin antibiotics in Zambia today. This drug is used to combat various kinds of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections, throat infections, urinary tract infections, ear and nose infections, and many other bacterial infections.
While the effectiveness of Amoxicillin has never been in doubt, many still have questions about the cost of the drug. In this article, we will take a look at the prices of Amoxicillin, its uses, possible side effects, and how to effectively use the drug.
Amoxicillin Prices and Availability
To get the most accurate and up-to-date prices for Amoxicillin in Zambia, visit ZambiaPrice.com. This online resource is designed to help Zambians (and others) keep abreast of current prices of products and services available in the country.
Uses and Side Effects
Amoxicillin is a versatile antibiotic with numerous applications in treating bacterial infections. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects and how to use the drug correctly. For more information on healthcare professionals’ salaries in Zambia, which may influence the cost of medical consultations and prescriptions, visit our articles on medical doctors’ salaries and pharmacists’ salary.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional before taking Amoxicillin or any other medication, and always follow the prescribed dosage to ensure effective treatment.
Prices of Amoxicillin in Zambia
Amoxicillin is readily available in Zambia and comes in different milligrams and types, with various brands choosing to name the drug as they prefer. Generally, the medicine comes in packs and sachets, with varying numbers of capsules. This makes it more difficult to estimate the amount the drug goes for as the prices usually depend on the milligram, the number of sachets in a pack, and the number of capsules.
On the average, you can purchase a pack of Amoxicillin for anything between KW400 and KW4,000 depending on the brand, strength (milligram), and the number of capsules in the pack or sachet. The drug is readily available and can be purchased in various pharmacies and drug stores across the country. They can even be ordered online from various eCommerce drug stores.
Uses of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a very common penicillin antibiotic. The drug is used to manage and treat various types of bacterial infections. It functions mainly by halting the growth of bacteria. It should be noted however, that the drug only works effectively to treats only bacterial infections. This means that the drug will not work for viral infections, including common cold and flu. It is essential to use antibiotics, whether Amoxicillin or any other, only when needed. Using antibiotics when not necessary or needed can significantly reduce the efficiency of the drugs when used for future bacterial infections.
Amoxicillin can also be used with some other medicines for the management and treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria. The drug, when combined with clarithromycin (Biaxin), another antibiotic, to manage and treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, a unique bacterial infection. The combination of the drugs is also sometimes used with a stomach acid reducer called lansoprazole.
How to use Amoxicillin
Before taking the drug it is very important to consult your medical doctor or pharmacist. Dosage is usually based on the bacterial infection you are trying to treat or manage. Generally, you are expected to take the medication by mouth, with or without food as directed by the medical doctor or pharmacist.
The drug is usually taken every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the prescription and the infection you are trying to cure and the overall response to the treatment.
While using the drug, it is essential to take plenty of fluids except your doctor tells you not to. To get the very best of the medicine, it is advisable to take the drug at evenly spaced times. This means that if you are taking the doses in the space of 8 hours, ensure you maintain the spaced time through the completion of the dosage.
If you take the first dose by 10 am, you should take the next dose 8 hours later, which is around 6 pm. You should not stop using the medicine until you complete the full prescription. Even if you notice the symptoms of the infection have disappeared or significantly reduced after a few days, you should not be tempted to stop using the drug until you complete the full prescribed amount.
Halting the medicine earlier than prescribed could be dangerous as it may allow the bacteria to keep growing, which could then result in the return of the infection being treated. Also, it is essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist if your condition worsens while using the drug.
Possible Side Effects of Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is one of the most common drugs used to combat bacterial infections. While the drug’s efficiency is undisputed, numerous side effects have been reported by users. Generally, these side effects are mild and temporary, although a few users have reported more severe side effects.
Common Side Effects
Most of the common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. It is important to note that if any of these side effects worsen or persist, you should inform your medical doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The majority of people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects. According to reports and reviews, prolonged use of Amoxicillin or constantly repeating the drug may result in oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection. If you notice any symptoms related to this, it is essential to inform your medical doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects users may experience, although rarely, include dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach and/or abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, easy bruising or bleeding, and persistent sore throat or fever.
In very few cases, the user may experience a severe intestinal condition due to a type of resistant bacteria. It is essential to consult with your medical doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of these serious symptoms. Some other side effects include rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, and in some cases, trouble breathing.
For more information on healthcare professionals’ salaries in Zambia, you can visit our articles on pharmacists’ and nurses’ salaries.
