Westward 939 is a white capsule containing 500 mg of amoxicillin, an antibiotic in the penicillin family. It’s produced by Westward Pharmaceuticals, a maker of generic drugs. Amoxicillin is used to tackle various bacterial infections like ear and sinus infections, strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It works by disrupting the bacteria’s ability to form cell walls, ultimately causing them to die.
Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic, which means it stops bacteria from building the essential cell walls they need to survive. It attaches to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacteria’s surface. Since PBPs play a key role in forming cell walls, amoxicillin’s interference leads to weak, unstable walls that eventually break apart, killing the bacteria. Although amoxicillin is effective against many bacteria like Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Haemophilus, and Salmonella, not all bacteria are affected by it, and some might even become resistant.
Amoxicillin is marketed under brand names like Amoxil, Polymox, and Trimox. It’s available as a generic drug and is used to treat various bacterial infections including ear and sinus infections, strep throat, pneumonia, UTIs, gonorrhea, syphilis, Lyme disease, acne, and rosacea.
Like all medicines, amoxicillin can have side effects, though it is safe for most people. Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rashes, hives, stomach pain, headache, and fatigue. These tend to be mild and often resolve on their own. More serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions, seizures, liver or kidney damage, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
When taking amoxicillin, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You can take it with or without food. Swallow tablets or capsules whole, and if using liquid form, make sure to shake the bottle before measuring the dose. Use the measuring tool provided, take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body, and complete the full course even if you start feeling better.
For pregnant women, amoxicillin is generally considered safe. While classified as a Category B medication (which implies it’s not known to cause fetal harm in animal studies), there isn’t extensive information about its safety during pregnancy. Some studies imply a slight risk of cleft palate if taken during the first trimester, although this risk is very low. It’s crucial to consult your doctor to assess the risks and benefits based on your specific situation and health condition.
In conclusion, Westward 939 capsules contain 500 mg of amoxicillin, used to treat bacterial infections by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall construction. It’s typically taken orally, with or without food, at a dosage of 500 mg every 8 hours for a course of 7-10 days.
