What you should know about
Amoxicillin
What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called
penicillin. It fights bacteria in your body.
Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of
infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary
tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin.
Amoxicillin may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know
about amoxicillin?
Take all of the amoxicillin that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before
the infection is completely treated.
Do not break, chew, open, or crush the capsules. Swallow
them whole.
Amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control
pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking amoxicillin to protect
against pregnancy.
Who should not take amoxicillin?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another
penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take amoxicillin unless your doctor is
aware of your allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease or infectious mononucleosis. You may not be able to take
amoxicillin because of an increased risk of side effects.
If you are a diabetic, some glucose urine tests may give
false positive results while you are taking amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Amoxicillin is generally considered
to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take amoxicillin without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Amoxicillin passes into breast milk. Rarely, amoxicillin
may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant,
although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take amoxicillin?
Take amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Amoxicillin can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
Amoxicillin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals
throughout the day and night to keep the level in your blood high enough to
treat the infection.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them
whole. The chewable tablets must be chewed before they are swallowed.
To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the
liquid form of amoxicillin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
Take all of the amoxicillin that has been prescribed for
you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before
the infection is completely treated.
Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature and
store the suspension in the refrigerator for longer use. The suspension is good
for 7 days at room temperature and for 14 days if it is stored in the
refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after this amount of time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only
your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
If you have only missed one dose, you can take the rest of
your scheduled doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an amoxicillin overdose include muscle spasms
or weakness, pain or twitching, pain in the fingers or toes, loss of feeling in
the fingers or toes, seizures, confusion, coma, or agitation.
What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin?
Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with
amoxicillin, so use it with moderation.
What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin?
If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking amoxicillin and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing
of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; rash; or
fainting);
· seizures;
· severe watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or
· unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Continue to take amoxicillin and talk to your doctor if you experience
· mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
· white patches on the tongue (thrush/yeast
infection);
· itching or discharge of the vagina (vaginal yeast
infection);
· black, "hairy" tongue or sore mouth or tongue.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
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