Does Amoxicillin Affect Lexapro? (+3 Precautions)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:

Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil

Professional Experience:

2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.

2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.

She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.

2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department

She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.

2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.

Education:

2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo

2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo

2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo

2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes

The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:

Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.

Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.

Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.

Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.

Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.

Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.

Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.

Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.

Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.

You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital

Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital

CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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This article will discuss the query, “Does Amoxicillin affect Lexapro?” We will also discuss the potential interactions between Amoxicillin and Lexapro and some precautions to ensure safety while taking Amoxicillin with Lexapro.

Does Amoxicillin affect Lexapro?

No, Amoxicillin does not affect Lexapro. There have been no reported interactions when using Amoxicillin and Lexapro together. However, it is essential to note that the absence of interaction does not guarantee that no interaction exists between the two medications.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic for treating bacterial infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and eye, nose, and throat infections. Amoxicillin is also a part of the H. pylori treatment regimen (1).

Lexapro (escitalopram), on the other hand, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used in treating conditions like major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (2).

Since Amoxicillin and Lexapro do not have any reported interactions, it is safe for you to take these medications concomitantly. However, it is recommended to be cautious while doing so.

What does research suggest?

Several studies have suggested that antidepressants possess antibacterial properties. SSRIs such as Lexapro and other antidepressants have been found to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the normal gut microflora (3).

Experimental studies showed Lexapro has a more significant inhibitory effect on the growth of microorganisms like E. coli, E. feacalis, B. bifidum, L. rhamnosus, and C. albicans (3).

It is suggested that the co-administration of Amoxicillin with Lexapro can impact the gut microflora, ultimately enhancing the risk of gastric adverse effects associated with both medications.

Potential interactions between Amoxicillin and Lexapro

While there are no reported interactions between Amoxicillin and Lexapro, it has been speculated that some common adverse effects of both drugs may potentiate when used together. These adverse effects include (1,4):

Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Headache.
Rash.
Acid reflux – common with Lexapro

Not every individual taking Amoxicillin with Lexapro will necessarily experience these symptoms. However, G.I. adverse effects are more common with the use of both drugs.

Therefore, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider if you experience these adverse effects while taking Amoxicillin with Lexapro.

How to reduce the gastric adverse effects of the Amoxicillin-Lexapro combination?

Diarrhea is a common adverse effect associated with the use of antibiotics. However, taking Amoxicillin with Lexapro can increase the risk of drug-induced diarrhea, as both drugs can disrupt the gut microbiota.

Probiotics have been clinically used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and treat conditions like H. pylori, irritable bowel disease, and vaginitis. Nearly one-third of the patients treated with antibiotics experience diarrhea (5).

Various types of probiotics have been tested. However, the most extensively studied genus are the Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics help reduce the gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with antibiotics by restoring the balance of microorganisms in the gut (5).

How to safely take Amoxicillin with Lexapro?

The following measures are recommended to ensure safety when using Amoxicillin with Lexapro (6):

It is recommended to avoid using Amoxicillin if you are allergic to penicillin or any beta-lactam antibiotics.

Diarrhea is a common adverse effect associated with both Amoxicillin and Lexapro. However, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience prolonged diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

It is recommended to prescribe the lowest dose of Amoxicillin when used with Lexapro, as high doses of Amoxicillin can increase the risk of seizures, especially in patients with renal failure.

Be cautious while combining Amoxicillin and Lexapro with Warfarin, as both medications can increase the risk of bleeding when used together with Warfarin.

It is recommended to take Amoxicillin and Lexapro with food to mitigate the gastric adverse effects associated with both drugs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amoxicillin does not appear to affect Lexapro. This conclusion is based on the absence of reported interactions between the two drugs.

This article has also explored the impact of Lexapro on the Gut microbiota and the potential for increased gastric adverse effects when used in combination with Amoxicillin. We have also discussed how to reduce these gastric adverse effects.

Ultimately, it is considered safe to use Amoxicillin with Lexapro. However, it is essential to be cautious and consult your healthcare provider if any adverse effects are experienced when using Amoxicillin with Lexapro.

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References

1.-

Amoxicillin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a685001.html

2.-

DailyMed – ESCITALOPRAM OXALATE- escitalopram tablet, film coated. (n.d.). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=9c68f89b-1d34-4735-9631-817f012935d7#:~:text=Escitalopram%20is%20a%20selective%20serotonin,GAD)%20in%20adults%20(%201.2)

3.-

Rukavishnikov G, Leonova L, Kasyanov E, Leonov V, Neznanov N, Mazo G. Antimicrobial activity of antidepressants on normal gut microbiota: Results of the in vitro study. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2023 Mar 22;17:1132127. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1132127/full

4.-

Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html

5.-

Kopacz K, Phadtare S. Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Aug 2;10(8):1450. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10081450. PMID: 36011108; PMCID: PMC9408191. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9408191/

6.-

Akhavan BJ, Khanna NR, Vijhani P. Amoxicillin. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482250/

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Does Amoxicillin affect Lexapro? (+3 precautions)