There’s a national shortage of Amoxicillin in the U.S., especially during the triple threat viral outbreak of COVID-19, RSV and Influenza.
A press release from the LBJ Hospital says, since Amoxicillin is the most used antibiotic to treat upper respiratory and ear infections, LBJ pharmacy prepared for this near shortage by ordering alternative antibiotics that could be used for the same type of infections.
According to the release, LBJ has never run out of Amoxicillin for adults. This shortage is only affecting the oral suspension. The pharmacists continue to actively research alternative options, and if needed, they are exploring the possibility of “compounding” Amoxicillin locally.
Although Amoxicillin is not used to treat viral infections, it is commonly used when secondary bacterial infections are present.
Pediatric patients across the nation, including American Samoa, have been seen for both viral and bacterial infections during the same period.
Furthermore, LBJ’s U.S. licensed clinical pharmacists, vigorously monitor the usage of antibiotics and provide advice of “judicious usage.”
As part of the medical team, the pharmacists consult on infectious treatment courses daily and work closely with physicians for proper treatment choices during this near shortage.
“LBJ pharmacy will continue to exhaust all resources to ensure the continued procurement of antibiotics as needed.”
“However, for evidence-based and safe best practices, LBJ pharmacy kindly reminds the community of the importance of finishing all antibiotic courses, and it is never recommended to self-treat with leftover antibiotics or antibiotics from family members.”
“These practices could only increase the resistance and make it more difficult for our physicians to treat infections.”
