Amoxicillin is an extended spectrum β-lactam antibiotic and is similar in structure to ampicillin. Resistance to amoxicillin can be attributed to β-lactamase enzymes secreted by a resistant cell.
TOKU-E offers three forms of amoxicillin: amoxicillin (A004), amoxicillin sodium salt (A059), and amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (A054). In aqueous solution, amoxicillin sodium is freely soluble (50 mg/mL) while amoxicillin is sparingly soluble (3.4 mg/mL). Both forms have similar potencies and are suitable for microbiology use; however, amoxicillin sodium is easier to work with in aqueous solution. Clavulanate potassium (clavulanic acid) is a β-lactamase inhibitor which can irreversibly inactivate β-lactamase enzymes of β-lactam resistant microbes preventing them from breaking down β-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin can be combined with clavulanate potassium for greater efficacy against β-lactam resistant strains.
CAS Number
34642-77-8
Molecular Formula
C16H18N3NaO5S
Molecular Weight
387.39
Mechanism of Action
Like all β-lactams, amoxicillin targets PBP’s (penicillin binding proteins) involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBP’s are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised ultimately leading to the death of the cell.
Storage Conditions
2-8°C
Tariff Code
2941.10.5000
Spectrum
Amoxicillin targets a wide range of β-lactamase negative gram positive and gram negative bacteria including E. coli and a number of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. Because peptidoglycan is synthesized in gram positive and gram negative bacteria, amoxicillin can be used against a wide variety of microbes.
Form
Powder
Appearance
White or almost white crystalline powder
Source
Semi-synthetic
Water Content (Karl Fisher)
≤3.0%
pH
8.0-10.0
Optical Rotation
+240° to +290°
Assay
(Dried Basis): ≥80.0%
Impurities
Related Substances
Amoxicillin dimer: ≤3.0%
Any impurity: ≤3.0%
Sum of impurities: ≤9.0%
2-Ethyl hexanoic acid: ≤1.0%
Residual Solvents
Ethanol: Not more than 0.5%
Methyl acetate: Not more than 0.5%