Amoxicillin

💊 What is Amoxicillin used for?

• •Infections of the ear, nose, and throat caused by susceptible bacteria
• •Infections of the genitourinary tract (urinary and related organs) caused by susceptible bacteria
• •Infections of the skin and skin structure caused by susceptible bacteria
• •Infections of the lower respiratory tract (such as the lungs and airways) caused by susceptible bacteria
• •For adults only: Helicobacter pylori infection with duodenal ulcer disease, used together with other medicines (clarithromycin plus lansoprazole, or lansoprazole alone)

How it works

The label describes amoxicillin as a semisynthetic antibacterial with broad activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is described as bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria. The label says it should only be used for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says amoxicillin should be taken at the start of a meal to reduce stomach upset. The oral suspension may be taken every 8 hours or every 12 hours, depending on the prescribed dose. Shake oral suspensions well before each use. For children, the label says to use a calibrated oral syringe and to rinse it after each use. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist about the amount and how many days to take it.

Comes as

• •Amoxicillin for oral suspension (a fruity-flavored powder mixed with water to make a liquid): 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL

⚠️ Amoxicillin side effects

🛑 Who should not take Amoxicillin, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label says amoxicillin is not to be used in people who have had a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to amoxicillin or to other beta-lactam antibacterials, such as penicillins and cephalosporins.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber about any past allergic reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other medicines. The label says this history should be checked before starting amoxicillin.
• •Tell your prescriber about kidney problems, since the label mentions a lower dose for severe kidney impairment.
• •Tell your prescriber if you take oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), allopurinol, probenecid, or birth control pills.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have diarrhea, since the label says it can be a sign of a serious bowel problem.

🔀 Amoxicillin with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Probenecid: the label says coadministration is not recommended, because it can raise and prolong amoxicillin blood levels.
• •Oral anticoagulants (blood thinners): the label says they may increase the prolongation of prothrombin time. Monitoring is recommended, and the anticoagulant dose may need adjustment.
• •Allopurinol: the label says taking it with amoxicillin increases the risk of rash.
• •Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): the label says amoxicillin may reduce their effectiveness.
• •Chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines: the label says they may interfere with the effects of penicillin, though the clinical significance is not well documented.
• •Urine glucose tests: the label says high urine levels of amoxicillin may cause false-positive results with some glucose tests. Enzymatic glucose oxidase tests are recommended instead.

Alcohol and food

The label does not mention alcohol. The label says amoxicillin should be taken at the start of a meal to minimize stomach upset.

🤰 Amoxicillin in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says animal studies showed no evidence of harm to the fetus. It also says there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so amoxicillin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. The label says it is not known whether use during labor and delivery has effects on the fetus.

Breastfeeding

The label says penicillins pass into human milk and that amoxicillin use by nursing mothers may lead to sensitization of infants. The label says caution should be used when giving amoxicillin to a nursing woman.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store the dry powder at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). It says refrigeration is preferable but not required for the suspension. Shake well before using, keep the container tightly closed, and discard any unused suspension after 14 days.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that in case of overdose, amoxicillin should be stopped, the person should be treated for symptoms, and supportive measures should be used as needed. The label says adequate fluid intake and urine output should be maintained to reduce the risk of crystals in the urine. It also mentions that kidney problems, including kidney failure, have been reported after overdose, and that the kidney effects appeared reversible when the drug was stopped.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Amoxicillin

• Is this infection likely caused by bacteria, so that an antibiotic is the right treatment?
• How many days will I need to take amoxicillin, and when should I stop?
• Should I take this with food, and how should I shake or measure the liquid?
• What signs of an allergic reaction or severe skin reaction should I watch for?
• Will amoxicillin affect my birth control, blood thinner, or other medicines I take?
• What should I do if I get watery or bloody diarrhea during or after treatment?

❓ Amoxicillin: frequently asked questions