If you are here to research more about Amoxicillin, chances are you or someone you care is linked with it directly or indirectly. 

First of all, you need to understand that it’s normal and very common. It can make you uncomfortable but it is treatable. 

So, if you search about it online, you must have got ‘amoxicillin’ in many results. Now the question comes: 

“Can you really use amoxicillin for every type of eye infection?”

Before answering this question, let’s try to understand amoxicillin first. 

What is Amoxicillin? 

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic, a powerful one, which belongs to the penicillin family. This antibiotic suits almost all age groups and is widely prescribed by doctors for treating infections. Infections in the chest (bronchitis/pneumonia), ENT (tonsillitis, ear infections), and kidney infections are usually treated with Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin, being an antibiotic, interferes with the bacteria and works by breaking the walls of the bacteria. This causes the bacteria to die. 

An important thing to remember is that Amoxicillin works only on bacteria and not viruses. Viruses do not have cell walls like bacteria. 

For eye infections, Amoxicillin might not be the first choice. The most common eye infections include pink eye (conjunctivitis) or itchy eyes. Such cases do not need oral antibiotics and are usually treated with topical antibiotics, which include eye drops or ointments, as they are directly applied to the surface of the eye.

Amoxicillin is an oral antibiotic, which means that the medicine, when swallowed, travels through the bloodstream and reaches the eye tissues. This is not an effective solution when the eye infection is limited to the surface of the eye. Drops and ointments can provide relief much faster than an oral medication, in this situation. 

Why is Amoxicilling not always the first choice for eye infection treatment? 

Amoxicillin can treat several bacterial infections but not the only solution for all types of eye infections. 

• Usual cases of eye infection include pink eye (conjunctivitis). About 80% of cases are viral. Amoxicillin, an antibiotic, is not used to treat viral infections because it is ineffective. The usual treatment is eye drops. Itchy or crusty eyes can make the eyes watery. It might be due to seasonal allergies and can be treated without antibiotics.
• Some bacteria resist Amoxicillin. Therefore, this antibiotic might not be effective against the bacteria causing the infection. 

In what cases is Amoxicillin used? 

Amoxicillin is prescribed for eye infection in the form of Augmentin (Amoxicillin+Clavulanate), in cases where the infection is severe and internal.

• Periorbital Cellulitis: This is an infection of the eyelid and the tissues surrounding the eye socket. This situation is difficult compared to conjunctivitis and needs an oral antibiotic for internal treatment. 
• Dacryocystitis:- This is an infection caused by the blockage of the tear sacs. In this case, Amoxicillin is the standard treatment.
• Internal Eye Infections:– Some eye infections might not be limited to the surface level and may move deeper into the eye. Endophthalmitis is a situation where the eye infection is below the surface of the eye. Amoxicillin is prescribed as part of the treatment plan. 

The side effects of Amoxicillin

While amoxicillin, an antibiotic, might be effective in the treatment of severe eye infections, it can also cause certain side effects. The antibiotic should not be consumed without a doctor’s prescription, as it might cause severe side effects and even worsen the situation. The common side effects of amoxicillin are nausea, diarrhea, and rashes. Always consume the medicines that are recommended by a healthcare professional.

Another important fact to keep in mind is to complete the entire course. Leaving the course in the middle can cause antibiotic resistance and affect the treatment. Even if the eye looks better after two days, do not take your own decision to stop the medicine. Do not take Amoxicillin if you have a penicillin allergy. Do not forget to mention it to your doctor. Therefore, it is advised not to take antibiotics without a doctor’s consultation. Your doctor might prescribe an alternative medicine for the eye infection.

When to see a doctor?

Remember the dose and duration of this medicine depend on several factors like age, weight, infection type etc. Don’t skip the course if you feel better because it can let the infection bounce back stronger. 

You might underestimate eye infections by assuming that they just affect the surface. However, it can go from mild to severe at any time. Therefore, proper treatment is essential in any situation. Consult a doctor in cases where: your vision becomes blurry and does not clear even after blinking several times.

Conjunctivitis can be painful. However, when the pain becomes unbearable and throbbing, it’s time to see a doctor. If there is swelling in your eyelid, it makes it hard for you to open your eyes.

Conclusion:

Amoxicillin is a powerful antibiotic that works against bacteria. It is prescribed when the eye infection may be internal. It is not used in cases where the infection is on the surface level. Therefore, do not consume the medicine without a doctor’s consultation. Never go for self-medicating with any antibiotics until your healthcare provider is involved.