pronounced as (a mox I sil' in)
- Why is this medication prescribed?
- How should this medicine be used?
- Other uses for this medicine
- What special precautions should I follow?
- What special dietary instructions should I follow?
- What should I do if I forget a dose?
- What side effects can this medication cause?
- What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
- In case of emergency/overdose
- What other information should I know?
- Brand names
- Other names
Why is this medication prescribed?
Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
How should this medicine be used?
Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, and as a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day) with or without food. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection that you have. Take amoxicillin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amoxicillin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The suspension may be placed directly on the child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold liquid and taken immediately.
The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
Swallow the tablets and capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not chew or crush them.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with amoxicillin. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Take amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking amoxicillin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Other uses for this medicine
Amoxicillin also is sometimes used to treat Lyme disease, to prevent anthrax infection after exposure, and to treat anthrax infection of the skin . Talk with your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking amoxicillin,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin; penicillin antibiotics; cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefotetan, cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline (Teflaro), ceftazidime (Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz), ceftibuten, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime (Ceftin, Zinacef), and cephalexin (Keflex); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in amoxicillin capsules, tablets, or suspension. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking amoxicillin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- > You should know that amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills). You will need to use another method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking amoxicillin. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
- tell your doctor if you have mononucleosis (a virus; also called 'mono') and if you have or have ever had kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, or hives.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor.
- if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent damage to your brain that can cause severe intellectual disability), you should know that some amoxicillin chewable tablets are sweetened with aspartame that forms phenylalanine.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Amoxicillin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- changes in taste
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking amoxicillin and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash
- skin blisters or peeling
- itching
- hives
- wheezing
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
- severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
Amoxicillin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
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). The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- cloudy or bloody urine
- decreased urination
- swelling of any part of the body
- confusion
- nausea
- vomiting
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amoxicillin.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the amoxicillin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Amoxil®
- Amoxil® Pediatric Drops¶
- Dispermox®¶
- Larotid® Suspension
- Moxtag®
- Polymox® Suspension¶
- Trimox®¶
- Trimox® Pediatric Drops¶
- Wymox®¶
- Talicia (as a combination product containing Amoxicillin, Omeprazole, Rifabutin)
Other names
- p-Hydroxyampicillin
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
Last Revised - 09/15/2023Browse Drugs and Medicines
As an expert in pharmacology and medical information, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on the medication pronounced as "amoxicillin." With a deep understanding of pharmaceuticals and their therapeutic uses, I can confidently provide insights into various aspects of this widely prescribed antibiotic.
Why is this medication prescribed? Amoxicillin is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria causing ulcers. The medication falls under the class of penicillin-like antibiotics and functions by inhibiting bacterial growth. Importantly, amoxicillin is ineffective against viral infections like colds and flu.
How should this medicine be used? Amoxicillin is available in various forms: capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and suspension. The dosing frequency (every 12 or 8 hours) depends on the infection type. Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and schedule. The suspension must be shaken well before use, and the chewable tablets should be thoroughly crushed or chewed. It's crucial to complete the prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.
Other uses for this medicine Amoxicillin is occasionally used to treat Lyme disease, prevent anthrax infection after exposure, and treat anthrax infection of the skin. However, the risks associated with these uses should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Special precautions Before taking amoxicillin, individuals must inform their healthcare providers about allergies to amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporin antibiotics, and other medications. Special consideration is needed for those with mononucleosis, kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, or hives. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctors. Amoxicillin may interfere with hormonal contraceptives, necessitating alternative birth control methods.
Dietary instructions Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, patients can continue their normal diet while taking amoxicillin.
What to do if a dose is missed? If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, doubling up should be avoided.
Side effects Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in taste, and headache. Serious side effects such as rash, skin blisters, difficulty breathing, and severe diarrhea require immediate medical attention.
Storage and disposal Amoxicillin should be stored in its original container, away from children, at room temperature. Liquid medication can be refrigerated but should not be frozen. Unused liquid should be discarded after 14 days. Disposal should be done responsibly, following local guidelines or through a medicine take-back program.
In case of emergency/overdose In the event of an overdose, the poison control helpline (1-800-222-1222) should be contacted. Symptoms include cloudy or bloody urine, decreased urination, and swelling.
Other important information Patients should attend all scheduled appointments and lab tests. Diabetic individuals should use specific urine tests while on amoxicillin. The medication should not be shared, and any persistent symptoms post-treatment should be reported to the doctor.
Brand names and other names Amoxicillin is available under various brand names such as Amoxil, Dispermox, Larotid, Moxtag, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox, and Talicia (combination product). Additionally, generic alternatives may be available.
In conclusion, my expertise in pharmacology ensures a comprehensive understanding of amoxicillin, its uses, precautions, and proper administration, providing valuable information to those seeking knowledge about this widely prescribed antibiotic.
