Does Amoxicillin Cause Heart Palpitations Or Flutter?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not amoxicillin causes cardiac side effects such as heart palpitations or flutter.
I just finished up a 10-day course of amoxicillin for an ear infection. During those 10 days, I had heart flutters, almost a day long (FYI, I am very susceptible to PVCs, I have had various EKGs, echocardiograms, and heart monitors, Do you think that the amoxicillin caused those PVCs? I was done with my amoxicillin yesterday and today my heart is fine. Coincidence? I'm just curious as to what your thoughts are. Thank you
Sep 25, 2022- Amoxicillin is not known to cause heart palpitations or flutter, and cardiac side effects are not listed in its prescribing information.
- Amoxicillin can occasionally cause nervousness, anxiety, or agitation, which might make heart problems feel worse in some people.
- If you experienced heart symptoms while taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor so they can evaluate what caused them.
Answer
While many antibiotics, such as azithromycin and levofloxacin are associated with certain types of arrhythmia, amoxicillin is not associated with cardiac side effects such as heart palpitations or flutter. In fact, the prescribing information for amoxicillin doesn't list any cardiac side effects. In addition, a history of abnormal heartbeats (e.g. PVCs) or arrhythmia is not a contraindication to amoxicillin therapy.
There is a chance your cardiac side effects were a coincidence or it could be secondary to other side effects of amoxicillin.
Although uncommon, amoxicillin therapy has been associated with certain central nervous system effects such as nervousness, anxiety, and agitation. These could make you more susceptible to cardiac problems, especially in those with a history of them.
Lastly, there is always the chance that you are experiencing rare and under-reported side effects. The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) has listed over 70 cases of cardiac problems reported in 2017 alone with amoxicillin but it is important to know that there is no certainty that the reported events in the FAERS were due to the medication.
It is important to let your doctor know about the symptoms you experienced while taking amoxicillin so you can be properly evaluated.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out and please do so again in the future!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Arrhythmia
- An irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Azithromycin
- An antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
- Levofloxacin
- An antibiotic medication from the fluoroquinolone class used to treat various bacterial infections.
- Amoxicillin
- A penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
- Palpitations
- A sensation of feeling your heart beating irregularly or forcefully in your chest.
- Contraindication
- A medical reason why a specific medication should not be given to a patient.
- PVCs
- Premature ventricular contractions, which are extra heartbeats that start in the heart's lower chambers.
- FAERS
- The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System, a database where healthcare providers and patients report side effects from medications.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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