Melatonin - Amoxicillin Interaction

Interaction Details

Amoxicillin is classified as belonging to the following category: Seizure Threshold Lowering Drugs

Theoretically, taking melatonin with drugs that lower the seizure threshold might increase the risk of seizure activity.
Some clinical evidence suggests that melatonin may increase the frequency of seizures in certain patients, particularly children with neurological disabilities.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

Theoretically, melatonin supplementation could potentially increase seizure risk in some individuals due to its effects on the nervous system.

Melatonin acts as a neuromodulator, affecting the activity of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA and dopamine, which play a role in regulating seizure activity.

While studies are conflicting, most report that melatonin likely has anticonvulsant properties (i.e., prevents seizures).

Nevertheless, based on melatonin having wide-ranging effects on the body, it is unknown if it could potentially interact with anticonvulsant medications or other drugs that affect seizure activity.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Although it has been linked to neurological and psychological side effects, including seizures, such occurrences are rare.

Risk factors for the development of amoxicillin-induced seizures include previous CNS diseases, renal insufficiency, and low birth weight.

This interaction (amoxicillin with melatonin) is simply theoretical based on both amoxicillin and melatonin (separately) having been reported to affect seizure activity in a small number of individuals. However, there have been no reports of the combination specifically being the cause of increased seizure activity.

The risk of an interaction occurring here is very low and, in most cases, amoxicillin and melatonin can be used together safely.

However, if you have a history of seizures, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not this combination is safe for you.

References

• Sheldon SH. Pro-convulsant effects of oral melatonin in neurologically disabled children. Lancet 1998;351:1254.
• Stewart LS. Endogenous melatonin and epileptogenesis: facts and hypothesis. Int J Neurosci 2001;107:77-85..

Amoxicillin Overview

• Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

• Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Melatonin - More Interactions

Melatonin interacts with 1424 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.