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What is Amoxil
 Amoxil
is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins.
It fights bacteria in your body.
Amoxil
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.
Amoxil
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Amoxil
Take all of the Amoxil 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.
Do not break, chew, open, or crush the capsules. Swallow them
whole.
Amoxil may decrease the effectiveness of birth
control pills. Use a second method of birth control while
taking Amoxil to protect against pregnancy.
Who should not take Amoxil If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another
penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Amoxil unless
your doctor is aware of your allergy and monitors your therapy.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if
you have kidney disease or infectious mononucleosis. You
may not be able to take Amoxil because of an increased risk
of side effects.
If you are a diabetic, some glucose
urine tests may give false positive results while you are
taking Amoxil.
Amoxil is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.
Amoxil is generally considered to be safe for use during
pregnancy. Do not, however, take Amoxil without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Amoxil passes
into breast milk. Rarely, Amoxil may cause a yeast infection,
diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although
no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take Amoxil Take Amoxil exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Amoxil can be taken
with food or on an empty stomach.
Amoxil should be
taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and
night to keep the level in your blood high enough to treat
the infection.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.
Swallow them whole. The chewable tablets must be chewed
before they are swallowed.
To ensure that you get
the correct dosage, measure the liquid form of Amoxil with
a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon.
If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one. Shake the suspension well before
measuring a dose.
Take all of the Amoxil that has
been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better.
Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection
is completely treated.
Store the tablets and capsules
at room temperature and store the suspension in the refrigerator
for longer use. The suspension is good for 7 days at room
temperature and for 14 days if it is stored in the refrigerator.
Throw away any unused liquid after this amount of time.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you
missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
If you have only missed
one dose, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses
for the day at evenly spaced intervals.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Amoxil overdose 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.
Avoid while taking Amoxil Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with Amoxil,
so use it with moderation.
Possible side effects of Amoxil If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Amoxil and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing
of your throat; hives; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue;
rash; or fainting);
- seizures;
- severe watery
diarrhea and abdominal cramps; or
- unusual bleeding
or bruising.
Other, less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take Amoxil 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 other drugs will affect Amoxil Some drugs may decrease the effects of Amoxil and
prevent it from properly treating your infection. Before
taking Amoxil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of
the following drugs:
- cholestyramine (Questran)
or colestipol (Colestid); or
- another antibiotic
(for the same or for a different infection) such as erythromycin
(Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), tetracycline (Sumycin,
others), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin,
others), or any other antibiotic.
Amoxil may decrease
the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method
of birth control while taking Amoxil to protect against
pregnancy.
Amoxil increases the effects of methotrexate,
and you may need a dose adjustment during therapy with Amoxil.
Amoxil also increases the side effects of allopurinol
(Zyloprim) and may cause a rash.
Probenecid (Benemid)
increases the effects of Amoxil. These drugs may be used
together for this purpose; however, be sure your doctor
is aware if you are taking probenecid. You may need a lower
dose of Amoxil.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Amoxil.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
