Why do I seem to have a problem with Amoxicillin, but not Penicillin?

Question

Amoxicillin makes me throw up excessively, but with Penicillin I'm perfectly fine. I was told that if I was allergic to it, I would develop hives or something.

Right, details.

Well, the first time I took Amoxicillin, it was the day after I had donated blood (and forgot to tell my dentist). Then I was throwing up. I felt really fatigued, like most people do when they've gotten sick. My mom took me to a different dentist, who thought that I superabsorbed the pill, and gave me a smaller dose of Penicillin. That I was fine with--absolutely nothing happened. Then, months later, I tried the Amoxicillin again, and the same exact thing happened as did the first time. Except I haven't donated recently, so I couldn't have superabsorbed it.

I don't have any indication of hives or another skin rash, my throat didn't feel as if it's closing, nothing like that. Just my body trying to get rid of the pill.

Answer 1

You are right, if you got an allergic reaction there could have been other manifestations along with vomiting. I suspect you had gastric upset as the most common side effect of amoxicillin. Though amoxicillin is under the penicillin family, the components differ being the amoxicillin in synthetic form. The ingredients are artificially made to be like the penicillin while the penicillin contains natural ingredients. Experiencewise, I am ok with both penicillin and amoxicillin but not with ampicillin (another meds under penicillin family). Ampicillin turns my stomach upside down and makes me more sick.

Answer 2

Since Amoxilline is a ´penicillin´, in theory it should make no difference.
Yet it does and it could be because you´ve been given Augmentin which contains as catalyst: Clavulanate Potassium. Next time give the exact details of what you are taking and the circumstances. Nevertheless we give it a go and in doing so let´s leave out the possibility that you took the Amoxilline on an empty stomach after a night of serious partying while the well tolerated penicillin was taken after a meal when you were in tip-top shape. Such circumstances do make a difference but then, you know that.

We need exact details of what is taken since the universe of antibiotics is huge. Not only are there many generations of ´penicilline´ (today all called: antibiotics) there are a gazillion brands and mixtures: all available in varied doses, different release systems and purity grades.

Your case is serious enough with 15 million people starting a course of antibiotics each day in the US alone. The majority suffer complaints and damage: short and long term. The body of info on the Internet is contradicting and often incorrect: leaving us confused and worried.

Firstly, what professionals call an ´allergic´ response should be seen rather as an objection of your body to process the toxin that is forced into its system. Your body is calling out to you! Side effects are a sign: your body wants you to change your approach. Truly, this allergy thing is so easy to stop the patient from asking difficult questions. Learn about what you are taking: always the ingredients, contra indications and possible side effects. Our wellbeing isn´t a game and we are our own gate keepers.

Then let´s say your doc´s diagnosis is right. That is, you are invaded by bacteria and not a virus or Candida (which is often the case yet most docs don´t consider this). When you have ruled out (by the right methods) that it is not something else: take antibiotics but
1. Insist on the pure stuff that is without additives and catalysts such as sulphur and Clavulates and the like since that stuff can impact heavily.
2. Ask for the narrowest spectrum possible. You don´t want to destroy good bacteria in areas that need no destruction. Broad spectrum is like "shock and awe" allowing fungus to take over. Not a good situation to be in. See for fungus and antibiotics: www.doctorfungus.org
3. Have loads of probiotics (Solgar has good grade stuff) and start cutting out sugars, dairy, white flour, canned and tinned products, and smoking as well as recreational drugs.
4. Drinks heaps of isotonic drinks (to replenish and rebuild your immune system) such as Gatorade etc.
5. Make sure you get enough rest, positive attention and lots of feel-good input. For at least the duration you are on meds and recuperation period.

Answer 3

That's right, an allergy to the penicillin group usually means hives. Amoxicillin is mostly fabricated polymers (artificial substances made in a lab) that mimic the penicillin's actions. You might be having a reaction to that.
Penicillin is made by fungus, all natural. Amoxicillin is made by humans, mostly artificial. That might have something to do with it.

Answer 4

Nausea is not an allergy it is a side effect. Different medications will effect you differently. Just be glad you can still take penicillin.

Answer 5

Max is right, it could be just the difference in how it is manufactured, it could also be related to the different preservatives used.

Answer 6

it could be the dye they use to color the pill or the capsule it comes in straight pennicillin is a white pill not a capsule