Amoxil

Generic name: Amoxicillin

What is Amoxil?

Amoxil, an antibiotic, is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including: gonorrhea, ear/nose/throat infections, skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and infections of the genital and urinary tract. In combination with other drugs, it is also used to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria.

What is the most important information I should know about Amoxil?

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Amoxil. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

You should stop using Amoxil if you experience reactions such as bruising, fever, skin rash, itching, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and/or sores on the genitals. If these reactions occur, stop taking Amoxil unless your doctor advises you to continue.

Who should not take Amoxil?

You should not use Amoxil if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Amoxil?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Amoxil. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies; have diabetes and need to perform urine glucose tests; or have a history of colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, Genital, and Urinary Tract Infections

Adults: For mild or moderate infections, the usual dose is 250 milligrams every 8 hours, or 500 milligrams every 12 hours. For severe infections, the usual dose is 500 milligrams every 8 hours, or 875 milligrams every 12 hours.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Adults: For mild, moderate, or severe infections, the usual dose is 500 milligrams every 8 hours, or 875 milligrams every 12 hours.

Gonorrhea, Acute, Uncomplicated Anogenital, and Urethral Infections

Adults: The usual dosage is 3 grams in a single oral dose.

Ulcers

Adults: For ulcer treatment, Amoxil is combined with other medications. There are several dosage regimens available, and your doctor will choose the best one for you.

If your kidneys are severely impaired or you are undergoing hemodialysis, the doctor may have to adjust your dosage accordingly.

Children older than 3 months: Children weighing 88 pounds and over should follow the recommended adult dose schedule. Children weighing under 88 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.

How should I take Amoxil?

Amoxil can be taken with or without food. If you are using Amoxil suspension, shake it well before using.

Your doctor will only prescribe Amoxil to treat a bacterial infection. Amoxil will not cure a viral infection such as the common cold. It's important to take all of your medication as instructed by your doctor, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not finishing the complete dosage of Amoxil may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances for bacterial resistance to Amoxil and similar antibiotics.

For children's dosages, the required amount of liquid medication should be placed directly on the child's tongue for swallowing. It can also be added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks. The preparation should be taken immediately. To be certain the child is getting the full dose of medication, make sure he or she drinks the entire preparation. If your child is taking the pediatric drops, use the dropper provided to measure the dosage.

What should I avoid while taking Amoxil?

The chewable tablet form of Amoxil contains phenylalanine. If you or your child has the hereditary disease phenylketonuria, this form of Amoxil should not be used.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Amoxil?

If Amoxil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following: chloramphenicol, erythromycin, estrogen, oral contraceptives, other antibiotics including tetracycline, and probenecid.

What are the possible side effects of Amoxil?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: agitation, anemia, anxiety, changes in behavior, colitis, confusion, convulsions, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, hyperactivity, insomnia, liver problems and jaundice, nausea, peeling skin, rash, tooth discoloration in children, vomiting

When Amoxil is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of ulcers, the most common side effects are changes in taste sensation, diarrhea, and headache.

Can I receive Amoxil if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Amoxil should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Since Amoxil may appear in breast milk, you should consult your doctor if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Amoxil?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later. If you take 3 or more doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

How should I store Amoxil?

Amoxil suspension and pediatric drops should be stored in a tightly closed bottle. Discard any unused medication after 14 days. Refrigeration is preferable.

Store capsules at or below 68 degrees. Store chewable tablets and regular tablets at or below 77 degrees in a tightly closed container.