Amoxicillin is used to to treat bacterial infections (not viral infections). Amoxicillin is mainly prescribed for different types of infection including; sinus and chest infections, urine infections, ear infections, and some dental infections. You may also be prescribed amoxicillin to prevent an infection from occurring if you are at particular risk of getting an infection. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic which treats infection by killing the germs (bacteria) responsible for the infection. Other types of antibiotics include cephalosporin antibiotics like Cefalexin®. Amoxicillin is sometimes used to get rid of Helicobacter pylori. This is an infection often found in people with stomach ulcers. If you are prescribed amoxicillin for this reason, you will also be prescribed other medicines to take alongside it. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking amoxicillin it is important that your doctor knows:
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with amoxicillin. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these may be signs that you are allergic to antibiotics called penicillins. Do not take any more amoxicillin and speak with your doctor or go to your local accident and emergency department straightaway. If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the antibiotic, call your doctor or pharmacist for further medical advice.
Use Amoxicillin (Amoxil) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Some forms of amoxicillin may be taken with or without food. Check your medicine label to see if you should take your amoxicillin with food or not. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). You may mix the liquid with water, milk, baby formula, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Drink all of the mixture right away. Do not save for later use. You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it. Swallow the regular tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. You will need frequent medical tests. If you are taking amoxicillin with clarithromycin and/or lansoprazole to treat stomach ulcer, use all of your medications as directed. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using amoxicillin. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. You may store liquid amoxicillin in a refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any liquid amoxicillin that is not used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy. What should I do if I missed a dose of Amoxicillin (Amoxil)? Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time. |