Commonly Prescribed Antibiotic Implicated in Autism
In a study released this week, the antibiotic Augmentin TM has been implicated in the formation of autism. The study published in Medical Hypotheses strongly suggests the possibility of ammonia poisoning as a result of young children taking Augmentin.
Yonkers, NY (PRWEB) January 5, 2005 -- In a study released this week, the
antibiotic Augmentin TM has been implicated in the formation of autism. The
study strongly suggests the possibility of ammonia poisoning as a result of
young children taking Augmentin. Augmentin has been given to children since the
late 1980's for bacterial infections. Composed of amoxicillin and clavulanate
potassium, Augmentin has proven a potent antibacterial, especially for ear
infections which quickly become resistant to amoxicillin alone.
The
manufacture of AugmentinTM involves the fermentation of clavulanic acid. The
fermentation process involves large amounts of urea/ammonia. Ingested ammonia
can potentially injure the intestines of small children as well as brain and
nervous tissue. Even a small residue of urea/ammonia can potentially induce a
substantial brain inflammation or abnormality.
The study, published in
Medical Hypotheses, (2005 64, 312–315) examines 206 children under the age of 3
diagnosed with autism. These children were found to have a significantly higher
number of ear infections than the general pediatric population. These same
children received, on average, 12 courses of antibiotics representing a sum
total number of 2480. Of the 2480, 893 of these courses were Augmentin with 362
of those given under the age of 1 year.
Dr. Joan Fallon, scientist,
autism researcher and author of the study, states that, "Augmentin is one of the
most widely prescribed drugs for children. Its introduction into the marketplace
for use in the treatment of childhood illnesses corresponds with the significant
increase in the incidence of autism. It is possible that some children,
especially those with immaturity, or others at risk for developmental disorders
can be injured by taking this drug. It is imperative that further research be
undertaken to determine if a subset of children are at risk for neurotoxicity
due to the use of clavulanate or clavulanic acid in pharmaceutical preparations
- especially Augmentin."
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prweb194276.htm