Amoxicillin

Trade Names
• Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox

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Bromelain [1] - Possible Helpful Interaction
Vitamin K [2] - Possible Nutritional Depletion

Bromelain [4]

Possible Helpful Interaction

According to two studies, the supplement bromelain (from pineapple stems) may increase the absorption of amoxicillin. ^1,2 [5] This effect might help the antibiotic work [6] better.

There are concerns that antibiotic treatment might reduce levels of vitamin K in the body. However, this effect seems to be slight, and only significant, if at all, in individuals who are already considerably deficient in vitamin K. ^3–6 [8]

References

1. Tinozzi S and Venegoni A. Effect of bromelain on serum and tissue levels of amoxicillin. Drugs Exp Clin Res 4: 39–44, 1978.

2. Luerti M and Vignali M. Influence of bromelain on penetration of antibiotics in uterus, salpinx and ovary. Drugs Exp Clin Res 4: 45–48, 1978.

3. Cohen H, Scott SD, Mackie IJ, et al. The development of hypoprothrombinaemia following antibiotic therapy in malnourished patients with low serum vitamin K ₁ levels. Br J Haematol 68: 63–66, 1988.

4. Conly J and Stein K. Reduction of vitamin K ₂ concentrations in human liver associated with the use of broad spectrum antimicrobials. Clin Invest Med 17: 531–539, 1994.

5. Shearer MJ, Bechtold H, Andrassy K, et al. Mechanism of cephalosporin-induced hypoprothrombinemia: relation to cephalosporin side chain, vitamin K metabolism, and vitamin K status. J Clin Pharmacol 28: 88–95, 1988.

6. Goss TF, Walawander CA, Grasela TH, et al. Prospective evaluation of risk factors for antibiotic-associated bleeding in critically ill patients. Pharmacotherapy 12: 283–291, 1992.

Last reviewed October 2007 by EBSCO CAM Review Board [9]

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical [10] advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health [11] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [10] condition.

Bromelain [4]

Vitamin K [7]