Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an amoxicillin overdose. While amoxicillin is generally safe, exceeding the prescribed dosage can lead to various complications. Long-term consequences are rare but possible.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Prolonged amoxicillin use, especially at high doses, may cause persistent digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can lead to a condition called Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff), characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, requiring specific treatment.
Allergic Reactions: Although less likely to develop after a single overdose, repeated high doses increase the chance of developing a serious allergic reaction, even in individuals without prior allergic history. Symptoms range from skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Organ Toxicity: Extremely high doses can potentially affect liver and kidney function. While uncommon with typical overdoses, monitoring liver enzymes and kidney function through blood tests is advised if a significant overdose is suspected.
Superinfections: Amoxicillin disrupts the balance of gut bacteria. Overdosing can exacerbate this imbalance, leading to opportunistic infections like yeast infections (candidiasis) or other bacterial overgrowths.
Dental Staining: Amoxicillin, in high doses and prolonged use, has been associated with teeth discoloration in children. This is more common during tooth development.
Neurological Effects: In rare and severe cases of overdose, neurological symptoms such as seizures have been reported. This is usually associated with significantly high overdoses.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health issue.
