Amoxicillin is used to treat a great deal of bacterial infections. This medication is a penicillin-type antibiotic. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (like cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Amoxicillin is also used with other medications to treat stomach/intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori and to prevent the ulcers from returning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use amoxicillin if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, or ticarcillin. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- asthma;
- liver or kidney disease;
- mononucleosis;
- a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or
- food or drug allergies
Amoxicillin and Pregnancy
If you're a woman, let your doctor know if you are or may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or using birth control pills. Though amoxicillin is widely believed to be safe, ask your doctor if the risks of taking antibiotics while pregnant outweigh the benefits. Also, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding because amoxicillin can pass through breast milk and increase the risk for a later allergic reaction in babies.
Uses
As an antibiotic, amoxicillin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Conditions that amoxicillin can treat include:
- bronchitis
- ear infection
- gonorrhea
- pneumonia
- skin infections
- typhoid
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.
Side effects
The more common side effects of amoxicillin oral tablet can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- rash
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Hypersensitivity reactions.
- flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, or sore throat
- a painful red or purple rash that spreads
- blisters that could cause the skin to break down and cause open sores
How is amoxicillin taken?
Amoxicillin can be taken orally as a dry tablet, a chewable tablet, a capsule, a suspension, or liquid preparation, or as drops for children. Amoxicillin is normally taken either twice a day, every 12 hours, or three times a day, every 8 hours, depending on the doctor's instruction. It may be taken with or without food, and the liquid form can be mixed with other liquids such as baby formula, fruit juice, milk, and water. Liquids and drops should be shaken thoroughly before use to ensure that the medication is distributed evenly. It is important to follow the exact dosage and frequency as instructed by health care providers.
Being clear and concise with doctors and health care providers will ensure the safe and effective use of amoxicillin in order to stay safe.
