Does Amoxicillin increase blood pressure?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Amoxicillin increase blood pressure?
No, Amoxicillin does not increase blood pressure or heart rate. In fact, this antibiotic is considered safe to be used by people who suffer from chronic hypertension and it does not interact with prescription antihypertensives as well.
However, people who are allergic to Amoxicillin can experience a sudden rise in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, etc. Then again, allergies are quite rare and it’s an entirely different condition.
As far as common side effects of Amoxicillin are concerned, high blood pressure is not listed as one of them. This antibiotic can be taken by hypertensive individuals and it can be safely taken along with medications that manage high blood pressure.
What side effects are common with Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin, although it does not affect your blood pressure, is associated with some side effects – ranging from mild to severe. (1,2)
Common side effects of Amoxicillin include:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Vaginal itching or discharge (in women)
Rare side effects of Amoxicillin, although less common, may include:
- Allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or swelling
- Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Severe diarrhoea (pseudomembranous colitis)
- Blood disorders, such as low white blood cell count or low platelet count
- Liver problems, such as hepatitis or jaundice
- Kidney problems, such as interstitial nephritis
It’s important to note that while these side effects are possible, they do not occur in every individual taking Amoxicillin. Gastrointestinal side effects can be prevented, to some extent, by taking Amoxicillin with food
If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects, it is recommended to seek medical attention and inform your healthcare provider.
Factors that can affect blood pressure while taking Amoxicillin
While Amoxicillin itself does not directly increase blood pressure, there are certain factors that can affect blood pressure while taking this medication. These factors include: (3)
- Underlying health conditions: If you have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, these can influence your blood pressure levels.
- Individual response: Each person may react differently to medications, and some individuals may experience changes in blood pressure while taking Amoxicillin.
- Other medications: If you are taking other medications alongside Amoxicillin, they might have an impact on your blood pressure. For example, certain medications like decongestants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can raise blood pressure.
- Lifestyle factors: Your lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and alcohol consumption, can affect your blood pressure. These factors may interact with the effects of Amoxicillin.
What to do if you’re struggling with high blood pressure while taking Amoxicillin?
If you’re experiencing difficulties with high blood pressure while taking Amoxicillin, it’s important to take some steps to manage it. Firstly, consult with your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can evaluate your situation and guide you accordingly.
They may adjust your dosage of Amoxicillin or consider alternative medications if necessary. Additionally, it’s crucial to continue taking any prescribed medications for managing high blood pressure as directed.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial. This includes following a balanced diet low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress levels, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly at home can help you keep track of any changes and report them to your healthcare provider. Remember, open communication with your doctor is key to effectively managing your health
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References
1.-
Evans J, Hanoodi M, Wittler M. Amoxicillin Clavulanate. 2022 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30844191. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538164
2.-
Gillies M, Ranakusuma A, Hoffmann T, Thorning S, McGuire T, Glasziou P, Del Mar C. Common harms from amoxicillin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials for any indication. CMAJ. 2015 Jan 6;187(1):E21-E31. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.140848. Epub 2014 Nov 17. PMID: 25404399; PMCID: PMC4284189. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4284189/
3.-
Oparil S, Acelajado MC, Bakris GL, Berlowitz DR, Cífková R, Dominiczak AF, Grassi G, Jordan J, Poulter NR, Rodgers A, Whelton PK. Hypertension. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018 Mar 22;4:18014. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2018.14. PMID: 29565029; PMCID: PMC6477925. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6477925/
