What is amoxicillin?

• Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It fights bacteria in the body.
• Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin.
• Amoxicillin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about amoxicillin?

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with amoxicillin.
• Take all of the amoxicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking amoxicillin?

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take amoxicillin without first talking to your doctor.
• Before taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you have
  • kidney disease, or
  • stomach or intestinal disease.
• Amoxicillin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take amoxicillin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Amoxicillin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby

How should I take amoxicillin?

• Take amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Amoxicillin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the level in the blood high enough to treat the infection. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Amoxicillin can be taken with food or without food.
• Swallow each regular oral dose (nonchewable tablets and capsules) whole, with a full glass of water.
• Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
• Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature and store the suspension in the refrigerator for longer use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and take the rest of the doses for the day as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an amoxicillin overdose may include muscle spasms or weakness, pain or twitching, pain in the fingers or toes, loss of feeling in the fingers or toes, seizures, confusion, coma, or agitation.

What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with amoxicillin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin?

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with amoxicillin.
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amoxicillin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);
  • seizures; or
  • unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amoxicillin and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
  • white patches on the tongue (thrush/ yeast infection);
  • itching or discharge of the vagina (vaginal yeast infection);
  • black, "hairy" tongue or sore mouth or tongue.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What drug(s) may interact with amoxicillin?

• allopurinol
• birth control pills
• methotrexate
• neomycin
• probenecid

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.