How to make Amoxicillin suspension at home ?
This is actually a generic question for every drug in the form of a powder, but in most cases, parents do not make other drugs at home.
In this post I will talk about Amoxicillin (more specifically about the suspension which comes in many brand names around the world).
Before we begin, I would like to say this –
- Start antibiotic treatment only after a clear medical order and a precise dosage adjustment.
- Remember that Amoxicillin cannot be given to those with penicillin allergy.
- If it is possible, you can go with the powder you have at home to any pharmacy and ask them to help you prepare the medicine.
But if you still want to make the suspension at home – how do you do it?
It is very easy to make at home, and it is very safe – as long as you follow the instructions.
What kind of water can I use for homemade Amoxicillin?
Remember that the drug is intended for swallowing. So, like our food and drinks, it should be clean but not sterile like drugs for infusion. The manufacturer says you need distilled water. But before you run especially to the store, remember that you can use tepid water. Even if you have distilled water or saline (the type of “water” you insert to an IV infusion) at home, it is still more correct to used boiled and then chilled water.
How to measure the exact amount of water?
Use syringes you have at home, even ones used for other common medicine. The problem with small syringes (5 CC for example) is that you have to fill them 14 times, each time with 5 CC, in order to get to 70 CC (for example). Try to be accurate, or use larger syringes (you can even measure using a baby bottle).
How much water to add?
Search on the package for the sentence – “the pharmacist will add *** CC (or milliliter) of distilled water”. Notice that the amount specified depends on the type of Amoxicillin you have at home and the size of the specific package.
Mix well to dissolve the powder.
How much Amoxicillin I need to give to the child?
That depends on what the physician wrote in the prescription.
For example, one of the most common indications for Amoxicillin use in children is Strep pharyngitis. Read all there’s to know about Strep throat in this important chapter.
Remember, this is an antibiotic, which can only be given after a clear medical order, and in a correct dose decided by the doctor as per the weight of the child and the site of infection.
Good luck!
For comments and questions, please register