Amoxicillin is not suitable for people with hypersensitivity to the components in the composition, with an allergy to antibiotics included in the penicillin and cephalosporin group. It is contraindicated in patients with a diagnosis of mononucleosis, lymphocytic leukemia, and colitis. Not used for the treatment of lactating women and the elderly. Caution prescribed for bleeding.
Metronidazole is contraindicated in individuals with individual intolerance to metrinadosol or drugs from the imidazole group. Not suitable for children under 6 years. Do not use for lactation, 1 trimester of pregnancy. Allowed treatment under the supervision of a doctor in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
Each drug has its own direction, which only the attending physician can determine. It is he who will diagnose and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic, or their combined use.
Infections caused by microorganisms affect all human life systems. It is possible to completely get rid of them only with the help of antibacterial drugs. For example, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole. What do you consider when appointing each? Which drug is considered the best? Is concurrent use acceptable? You can answer these questions by looking at each drug in more detail.
Amoxicillin
Semi-synthetic antibacterial agent used systemically. It belongs to the group of penicillins. It has a wide range of bactericidal effects. It is steady in the acidic environment. Recommended in several forms:
- Granules with a powdery substrate (250 mg per 5 ml) for the preparation of a suspension (100 ml).
- Tablets (250 or 500 mg) in 10 or 20 tablets per pack.
- Capsules (250 or 500 mg) in 16 or 20 capsules per pack.
The therapeutic effect is due to amoxicillin in combination with sodium saccharin, sucrose, magnesium stearate / calcium, lactose, potato starch.
The bactericidal effect is carried out by disrupting the synthesis of proteins in mycobacteria at the time of their division and maturation. Due to the poor conductivity through the blood-brain barrier of the central nervous system, the effect of the drug does not extend to inflammatory processes in meningitis. The therapeutic effect occurs within 25 minutes and lasts up to 8 hours.
The drug is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Not exposed to acidic environment. After a few hours, it is evenly distributed in the tissues and body fluids. The drug is excreted by the kidneys.
When prescribing Amoxicillin, kidney dysfunction is taken into account. If necessary, reduce the dose and frequency of taking the drug. With hemodialysis, the drug is administered every 24 hours.
During treatment, superinfection may develop, then the drug is canceled. To prevent the development of crystalluria, it is necessary to use a large amount of liquid.
Amoxicillin acts on the following pathogens:
- Salmonella.
- Gonorrhea.
- Shigella.
- Streptococcus
- Staphylococci.
In combination with clarithromycin and lansoprazole, it acts on Helicobacter pylori.
Metronidazole
An antibacterial agent used systemically. The main active ingredient is metronidazole (a derivative of azomycin). Each release form is supplemented by individual excipients:
- Methylacetic acid, talc, starch in tablets (250 mg), 10, 20, 40 per pack.
- Polyethylene oxide, suppository fat in the composition of suppositories (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg), 10 per pack.
- Vaseline, emulsion wax, hydroxybenzoic acid, propantriol in the composition of ointment and gel (1%), 30 g in a tube.
- Sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, hydrochloric acid (solution) in the composition of the solution for infusion (5%), 200 ml in a bottle.
The therapeutic effect is due to the synthetic metronidazole. It oxidizes aminoimidazoles, which excite the processes acting on microorganisms, destroying them.
The drug is rapidly absorbed at the level of the stomach and enters the general bloodstream. Evenly distributed throughout the tissues and body fluids. Metronidazole crosses the blood-brain and placental barrier. It is determined in breast milk. Metabolism is carried out at 60% within the liver for 8 hours. It is excreted in urine and feces.
It has a wide range of effects on the following microorganisms:
- Peptococcus.
- Peptostreptococcus.
- Anaerobes (obligate).
- Gardnerella.
- Proteins.
- Waylonella.
- Giardia.
- Clostridia.
As an antiprotozoal agent, it is used to treat trichomoniasis.
General characteristics of antibiotics
They can be considered taking into account the indications and contraindications for admission. For example, identical bacteria groups are sensitive to drugs: pneumococci, Helicobacter pylori, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae.
The drugs enhance the effect of each other, therefore, are prescribed for chlamydia (initial stage), some forms of tuberculosis. Effectively used in the complex for the treatment of:
- Gastrointestinal ulcers.
- Gastritis
- Sepsis.
- Peritonitis.
- Pneumonia.
Do not combine with ethanol. Therefore, in the treatment of both drugs, it is forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages. This will help to avoid the development of antabuse-like syndrome.
Both drugs have similar signs of overdose: diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, allergic reactions.
Distinctive features
Antibiotics differ in release forms, composition. Act in different directions:
| Amoxicillin | Metronidazole |
| ENT diseases: otitis media, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis. | Neurological system: meningitis. |
| Respiratory tract: pneumonia, bronchitis. | Gynecological diseases: endometritis, vaginitis (non-specific). |
| Genitourinary system: cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, pyelonephritis, gonorrhea. | After a surgical infection. |
| Bone system: osteomyelitis. | SS disease: endocarditis. |
| Bile ducts: cholecystitis. | Abscesses of the abdominal organs. |
| Skin: wounds, phlegmon. | |
| Gastrointestinal organs: gastritis, ulcers caused by helicobacter. |
Each drug has limitations: Amoxicillin is not active in case of meningitis, and Metronidazole – in case of inflammation caused by streptococci and staphylococci. The first is used in the treatment of children from birth, and the second after 6 years.
