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What is Amoxicillin
 Amoxicillin
is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins.
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.
General medical information 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 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.
If you 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 you 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.
Avoid while taking Amoxicillin Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with Amoxicillin,
so use it with moderation.
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.
What other drugs will affect Amoxicillin Some drugs may decrease the effects of Amoxicillin
and prevent it from properly treating your infection. Before
taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you are taking any
of the following drugs:
- cholestyramine (Questran)
or colestipol (Colestid); or
- another antibiotic
(for the same or for a different infection) such as erythromycin
(Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), tetracycline (Sumycin,
others), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin,
others), or any other antibiotic.
Amoxicillin may
decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a
second method of birth control while taking Amoxicillin
to protect against pregnancy.
Amoxicillin increases
the effects of methotrexate, and you may need a dose adjustment
during therapy with Amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin also
increases the side effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim) and
may cause a rash.
Probenecid (Benemid) increases
the effects of Amoxicillin. These drugs may be used together
for this purpose; however, be sure your doctor is aware
if you are taking probenecid. You may need a lower dose
of Amoxicillin.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Amoxicillin.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
