Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (a mox i sil' in)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; 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 will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections.


How should this medicine be used?

Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, a suspension (liquid), and pediatric drops 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. To help you remember to take amoxicillin, take it around the same time 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 liquid and pediatric drops well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or other cold liquid and taken immediately.

The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water.

Take amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. Stopping amoxicillin too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking amoxicillin,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: chloramphenicol (Chlormycetin), other antibiotics, and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, or phenylketonuria.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Amoxicillin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • upset stomach
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
  • severe skin rash
  • hives
  • seizures
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • pale skin
  • excessive tiredness
  • lack of energy

Amoxicillin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillins
  • Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
  • Antibacterials for Systemic Use
  • Antiinfectives for Systemic Use
  • Antibacterials for Intramammary Use
  • Drugs for Peptic Ulcer and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (Gord)
  • Drugs for Acid Related Disorders
  • Beta-Lactam Antibacterials, Penicillins
  • Beta-Lactam Antibacterials, Penicillins, for Intramammary Use
  • Penicillins
Prescribed For the treatment of infections of the ear, nose, and throat, the genitourinary tract, the skin and skin structure, and the lower respiratory tract...
Weight :365.404
Structure Amoxicillin
Generic Drug Amoxicillin prescribed For the treatment of infections of the ear, nose, and throat, the genitourinary tract, the skin and skin structure, and the lower respiratory tract...
Formula

C16H19N3O5S

Amoxicillin has 0 Brands listed


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