Amoxil is a penicillin antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body. Amoxil is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and E. coli or salmonella infection.
What is Amoxil
Amoxil is also sometimes used together with another antibiotic called clarithromycin (Klacid) to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This combination is sometimes used with a stomach acid reducer called lansoprazole (Zoton).
Before taking Amoxil
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Amoxil or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as:
- ampicillin
- dicloxacillin
- oxacillin
- penicillin
How should I take Amoxil?
- Take Amoxil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
- You may take Amoxil with or without food.
- Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
- You may place the liquid directly on the tongue, or you may mix it with water, milk, baby formula, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Drink all of the mixture right away. Do not save any for later use.
- The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it.
- Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
- To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
- If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.
- 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.
- Take Amoxil for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Amoxil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
- Amoxil can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.
- Store this medication 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 Amoxil that is not used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Amoxil side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Amoxil: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
- fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
- severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
- pale or yellowed skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
- severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.
Less serious Amoxil side effects may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache; or
- swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. For more information talk to your Pharmacist or Doctor.
What other drugs will affect Amoxil?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- probenecid;
- a blood thinner such as warfarin;
- an antibiotic such as azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin, erythromycin (Erythrocin),
- sulfa drugs (Septrin and others); or
- a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline, doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), or tetracycline
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Amoxil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Amoxil side effects:
Applies to Amoxil: for suspension oral, oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Amoxil:
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
- fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling
- pale or yellowed skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness
- severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
- easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
- severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Less serious side effects of Amoxil may include:
- stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- headache; or
- swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor or Pharmacist for medical advice about side effects.
Storage and disposal of Amoxil:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
References:
http://www.rxlist.com/amoxicillin-drug.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amoxicillin
http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/amoxicillin.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a685001.html
http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/amoxicillin-for-infections
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158481.php
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-3295-AMOXICILLIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=1531&drugname=amoxicillin+oral
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR603565