Antibiotics antimicrobial

There are several groups of antibiotics : Please click here for information about the high risk group of antibiotics known as Quinolones or Fluoroquinolones including Ciprofloxacin 

Published in The British Medical Journal

Acute psychosis caused by Co-amoxiclav

BMJ 2008; 337 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a2117 (Published 22 October 2008) Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a2117

Claire L Bell, specialist trainee , Bruce Watson, senior clinical pharmacist,
W Stephen Waring, consultant physician

Co-amoxiclav is a fixed dose combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate that offers antibacterial activity against some strains that produce β lactamase. Recognised adverse effects include exfoliative dermatitis, deranged liver biochemistry, and anaphylaxis.1 We report the occurrence of acute psychosis after giving co-amoxiclav, with a strong temporal relationship and recurrence after drug rechallenge.

Please click here for information about the high risk group of antibiotics known as Quinolones or Fluoroquinolones as they need a dedicated area,

Some Psychiatric Effects: list modified from McConnell and Duffy, 1994 includes several groups of antibiotic drugs

Be aware of interactions with other medicines.

Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
If you have suffered psychiatric adverse reactions please report them. There may be side effects not mentioned on the data sheets. You can request a list of drugs used pre surgery and during surgery. You should be given patient information for all drugs prescribed as you are discharged from hospital.

Please report Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) to:

UK Yellow Card Reporting for Patient and Health Professional reports of Adverse Drug Reactions

USA and worldwide to the Food and Drug Administration for Patients and Healthcare Professionals

Universal free, independent drug safety website - Rxisk

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