Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic medication used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; venereal disease (VD); and ear, lung, nose, urinary tract, and skin infections. Amoxicillin also is used before some surgery or dental work to prevent infection.

Amoxicillin Directions

Amoxicillin is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a 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 Amoxicillin or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. Continue to take amoxicillin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amoxicillin without talking to your doctor.

Amoxicillin Side Effects

Although side effects from amoxicillin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, or mild skin rash. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Amoxicillin, call your doctor immediately: severe skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, or vaginal infection.

Amoxicillin Precautions

Before taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, allopurinol (Lopurin), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems, or hay fever. 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. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amoxicillin.

If you miss a dose of Amoxicillin, 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 of amoxicillin to make up for a missed one.