Amoxicillin
What is it?
This medication is a penicillin-related antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
How to take this medication:
Take this medication exactly as directed by your health care provider. This drug may be taken with or without food. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by evenly spacing doses throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until it is all gone, even if symptoms go away after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the bacteria to keep growing.
Do NOT take this medication if you:
Are allergic to amoxicillin.
Have had a previous reaction to penicillin or any other ingredients in this medication.
Tell your health care provider if you:
Have any allergies.
Are taking blood thinners or have any signs of unusual bleeding.
Have kidney problems.
Have suspected or confirmed infectious mononucleosis (mono) or Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV).
Have acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Are/or could be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side effects:
Although rare, some people may experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin rashes
Tell your health care provider right away if you suffer:
- Severe stomach pain and vomiting
- Sore mouth
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
As with other antibiotics, if you develop diarrhea that becomes severe and watery or does not go away, stop taking the medicine and call your health care provider. This could be a sign of a serious medical problem. Do not take over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea without first consulting with your health care provider.
Allergic reactions to this medication are rare, but these reactions can be very serious if not treated right away. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling in the face, mouth and neck
- Severe skin rash, hives or blisters
If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
Drug interactions:
Talk to your health care provider if you are taking any of the following drugs, as there may be interactions:
- Methotrexate (anticancer agent)
- Probenesic (gout treatment)
- Tetracyclines (antibiotics)
- Birth control
- Blood thinners
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Storage:
This medication should be kept at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not allow medication to freeze. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Points to remember:
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Be sure to finish taking all of your medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking amoxicillin too soon, your infection could come back. The next infection may be worse and be more difficult to treat.
If you are in a sexual relationship, your partner will also need treatment for this infection. If your partner is not treated, they can re-infect you with the same bacteria. Talk to your health care provider about treatment for your sexual partner(s).