Does Amoxicillin Interact With Zoloft? (+3 Safety Tips)

By Ivan Kahwa

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

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

This article will answer the question, “Does Amoxicillin interact with Zoloft?”. We will also discuss some management tips to get the maximum benefits of treatment.

Does Amoxicillin interact with Zoloft?

No, Amoxicillin does not interact with Zoloft. You can take Amoxicillin and Zoloft (Sertraline) together. However, it is good to exercise caution because both of these medicines can cause gastrointestinal side effects. (1,2)

Amoxicillin is a potent penicillin antibiotic prescribed for several bacterial infections, including chest and throat infections. (1)

Sertraline, on the other hand, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant for the treatment of depression, OCD, anxiety and mood disorders. (2)

What does research say?

Research on Sertraline shows interesting findings. One recent study indicates that Sertraline exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also suggests that Sertraline can increase the antimicrobial activity of several antibiotics. (3)

Another study focusing on Sertraline’s natural antibacterial effect suggests that Sertraline is effective against resistant strains of pathogenic bacteria. (4) This indicates that Sertraline may enhance the therapeutic activity of Amoxicillin.

When it comes to side effects of antidepressants, including Sertraline, A comprehensive analysis highlighted a common trend. Nausea and vomiting emerged as the most prevalent gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of antidepressants. (5)

A study focusing on Amoxicillin indicated that gastrointestinal side effects are a common complaint. Amoxicillin was also found to disrupt gut microbiota and cause GI distress. (6)

These insights highlight the importance of considering the potential effects of Amoxicillin and Sertraline. If you are already taking Sertraline, then it is crucial to inform your doctor before they prescribe Amoxicillin.

What are the potential side effects of taking Amoxicillin with Zoloft?

Amoxicillin and Sertraline both have the potential to induce gastrointestinal distress, as GI issues are listed as common side effects for both these drugs. GI problems are a significant concern when these medications are used together. (1,2)

Antibiotics like Amoxicillin are well known for their effectiveness in combating bacterial infections, but they also come with a downside. These medications are designed to target bacterial growth, and in doing so, they also disrupt the delicate balance of our gut’s microflora.

Our gut harbours natural microflora that play vital roles in digestion. The disruption in microflora balance can lead to a wide range of gastrointestinal issues.

Sertraline on the other hand also disturbs gastrointestinal health. A substantial number of individuals taking Zoloft have reported experiencing troublesome symptoms like acid reflux, heartburn and GERD-like symptoms.

Now, when Amoxicillin and Zoloft are used together, the potential for gastrointestinal side effects is signified. This combination can lead to symptoms like:

Gastrointestinal bleeding
Blood in stools
Bitter taste
Nause
Vomiting
Heartburn
Acidity
Loss of appetite
Dry mouth, dehydration
Upset stomach
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea

Keep an eye on these side effects especially if you have a history of stomach discomfort or acid reflux and inform your doctor for guidance.

How to ensure safe use of Amoxicillin and Zoloft?

If you have to take both these medicines together, consider these essential safety tips for a smoother experience.

Acidity-reducing medicines:

If you find yourself experiencing stomach discomfort while taking these medications together, it is worth discussing the possibility of using acidity-reducing medicines.

These medicines are commonly prescribed to relieve gastric pain and discomfort. some common classes are Proton pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole and over-the-counter antacids such as milk of magnesia, Gaviscon etc

Make sure to inform your pharmacist or doctor about your current medicine use including amoxicillin and sertraline to avoid interactions such as Sertraline with Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-bismol) may lead to serious bleeding.

Maintain a healthy diet:

To avoid gastrointestinal discomfort, aim to include healthy food groups in your diet. Opt for easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on your stomach and avoid spicy, junk foods.

Sertraline can interact with certain foods, so avoid alcohol, caffeine, tyramine-rich foods and grapefruit. Alcohol intake can worsen stomach discomfort and increase acidity. Caffeine in coffee, tea and certain sodas can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate stomach pain and acidity.

Include probiotics

As stated, antibiotic treatment can disrupt the gut microbiome so it is good to incorporate probiotics in your daily routine. Probiotics support the balance of beneficial bacteria.

Yoghurt is a common source of probiotics. including yoghurt in your diet while taking Amoxicillin can reduce the chance of diarrhoea and stomach upset. Discuss with your healthcare provider which supplements or live cultures might be suitable for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amoxicillin and Zoloft show no interaction when taken together and are generally considered safe. However, the potential to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting acid reflux becomes high with this combination.

Communicating with your healthcare provider about your current medication and any stomach discomfort history is imperative before starting Amoxicillin. Your doctor can provide tailored guidance to ensure your well-being throughout your treatment.