, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, acts against an extensive variety of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It belongs to a group of medicaments called cephalosporin antibiotics, used to treat many different types of bacterial infections
Distributed under the brand name, Duricef
, Cefamox is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate infections. It is not effective against viral infections
like colds or the flu. Cefamox is also used as an antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures.
Cefamox acts via fast absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, even when taken with food. It travels through the body's tissues and fluids to seek out traces of bacterial infection.
Before taking this medicament, patients should inform their doctor if they are allergic to penicillin
or other types of antibiotics. If patients have a history of kidney
disease, or any stomach
or gastrointestinal tract disorder like colitis, they are advised to tell their doctor. These conditions preclude the use of Cefamox or require a different dosage and monitoring while taking this medicament.
Patients need to inform their doctor if they have diabetes
. Cefamox in liquid form (suspension) contains sucrose, which may aggravate diabetes. Although this medicament is not considered harmful to unborn babies, it is still important to let the doctor know if the patient is pregnant or plans to become pregnant during the course of treatment.
Patients should inform their doctor of any prescription or over-the-counter medicaments, including vitamin and herbal products, as these may have adverse results when taken with Cefamox. Some products may even lessen the medicament's healing effect.
Cefamox is characterized by its fast absorbing action and may affect breast
milk, causing harm to nursing infants. Patients should tell their doctor if they are breastfeeding before starting Cefamox use.
Symptoms of an infection usually clear before the bacteria is completely eradicated. Cefamox should be taken for the prescribed length of time ordered by the doctor to prevent a recurrence of the same infection in the future.
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea
, which is often a sign of a new infection. However, if the diarrhea is exceptionally watery or contains blood
, patients should call their doctor and refrain from taking any medicament for the diarrhea unless told by a doctor to do so.
Other known side effects of Cefamox include an upset stomach, mild wamble, joint pain
, and vaginal itching
or discharge. If the medicament causes the patient to break out in hives
, have breathing difficulties or results in swelling
of the face and mouth
area, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.
In some cases, Cefamox can cause extreme blistering and peeling, a red skin rash, fever
and chills, throat soreness and flu symptoms, unexplained bleeding or bruising, wamble and loss of appetite
, jaundice, dark urine and grey-colored stools, and even seizures. These side effects are serious and should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.
Cefamox is to be taken as prescribed, usually with a full glass of water or milk. The liquid form of the medicament should be measured with a measuring spoon or cup to ensure the correct dosage. Cefamox should be taken at regular intervals during the prescribed period of time for the best results.
Cefamox has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of cefamox is C16H17N3O5S
• Chemical IUPAC Name is 7-[[2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]-3-methyl-8-oxo- 5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid
• Molecular weight is 363.3883 g/mol
• Cefamox available : 250mg tablets, 500mg tablets