Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used for the treatment of infection caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used in combination with other medication in the treatment of helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers of the small intestines.
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used for the treatment of infection caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used in combination with other medication in the treatment of helicobacter pylori infection and ulcers of the small intestines.
How it is taken
Amoxicillin can be taken by mouth with food to avoid an upset stomach. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday to derive maximum benefits from the treatment.
Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Amoxicillin then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
Overdose
An Amoxicillin overdose might lead to symptoms like decreased urination. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, kidney problems or gonorrhea, have a history of allergies, asthma, hay fever, or hives or if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to a cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin) or another beta-lactam antibiotic (eg, imipenem).
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you have recently received or will be receiving live oral typhoid vaccine, or if you have infectious mononucleosis (mono).
Amoxicillin may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Amoxicillin and contact your doctor immediately.
It is unknown whether Amoxicillin is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic and cannot be used to cure viral infections.
It must be used for the entire duration of treatment or else it will not clear the infection completely. Also, the bacteria may become resistant to the drug and other medication.
Long term use of the drug may lead to a second infection. Consult your doctor immediately if this happens.
Some patients develop mild diarrhea with antibiotic treatment. This is a common instance and subsides after a while. However, in extremely rare occurrences it may lead to symptoms like pseudomembranous colitis which is a more serious form of diarrhea. If you notice symptoms like stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools, then please contact your doctor immediately.
Certain drugs can interact with Amoxicillin and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because it may increase the risk of bleeding
Probenecid because it increases the amount of Amoxicillin in your blood
Chloramphenicol, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole), or tetracycline antibiotics (eg, doxycycline) because they reduce the effectiveness of the drug
Methotrexate because Amoxicillin increases the risk of its side effects
Live oral typhoid vaccine or hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) because Amoxicillin decreases their efficiency
If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.
Amoxicillin may cause certain lab tests (urine glucose) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.
Some hormonal birth control pills may not be as effective as they normally are when you use Amoxicillin. So ensure that you use another form of contraceptive until you are using the drug.
Periodic lab tests including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Some of the common side effects of are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bloody stools, confusion, dark urine, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, unusual bruising or bleeding, vaginal discharge or irritation, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
