Amoxicillin (By mouth)

Introduction

Amoxicillin (a-mox-i-SIL-in)

Treats infections. Also used with other medicines to treat stomach ulcer. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

Amoxil, Prevpac, Amoxicot, Trimox, Omeclamox-Pak, Moxilin, Amoxil Pediatric, Moxatag

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it. You may crush the tablet and mix the medicine with a small amount of food to make it easier to swallow.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• You may mix the oral liquid with a baby formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold drink. Be sure your child drinks all of the mixture right away.
• Place the tablet for suspension in a small drinking glass, and add 2 teaspoons of water to the glass. Do not use any other liquid other than water. Gently stir or swirl the water in the glass until the tablet is completely dissolved. Drink all of this mixture right away. Add more water to the glass and drink all of it to make sure you get all of the medicine.
• Do not chew or swallow the tablet for suspension. The tablet will not dissolve in your mouth.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the tablets, capsules, and tablets for suspension at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed..
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you also use allopurinol (Zyloprim®), probenecid (Benemid®), birth control pills, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease or allergies. Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis.
• Tell your doctor if you have a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). The chewable tablet contains phenylalanine, which can make this condition worse.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Birth control pills may not work while you use this medicine. Use another form of birth control along with your birth control pills to avoid pregnancy.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Use this medicine only to treat the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection or condition that has not been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or the common cold.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Diarrhea that may contain blood

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Mild skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088