See also Antibiotics (General)
Amoxicillin is a relative of the antibiotic penicillin, but has been modified to have a broader spectrum of effect.
Interaction
Substance: Bromelain
Effect: Possible Helpful Interaction
According to two studies, the supplement bromelain (from pineapple stems) may increase the absorption of amoxicillin.1,2 This effect might help the antibiotic work better.
Interaction
Substance: Vitamin K
Effect: Possible Nutritional Depletion
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
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 December 2015 by EBSCO CAM Review Board