Drug Uses

Amoxil is in the class of drugs penicillin. It is an antibiotic that is effective by fighting bacteria in the body and relieves the symptoms of infections of the skin, gonorrhea, tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections as well as other purposes that may not be listed.

How Taken

Amoxil is formulated as a capsule, liquid, chewable tablet and oral pediatric drop that are usually taken three times a day, every eight hours. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and listen to your doctor. Do not adjust doses. The pediatric drops should be measured and can be mixed with any cold liquid such as formula, milk, water, ginger ale and fruit juice and consumed immediately. The tablets should be thoroughly crushed or chewed before ingested. Continue taking Amoxil even if you feel better until your treatment is complete.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor regarding your medical history especially if you have stomach, kidney or intestinal disease. If you are allergic to any type of penicillin or cephalosporin, consult with your doctor beforehand. As Amoxil is listed in the FDA pregnancy category B, it is not expected to harm your baby. On the other hand, it does pass through breast milk and is known to cause diarrhea, allergic reaction and yeast infection in a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are nursing.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one completely and take the following dose. Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, do not double dose.

Possible Side Effects

Seek help from your doctor if you begin to suffer bloody or sever diarrhea and abdominal cramps throughout your Amoxil treatment. Less serious side effects may occur and this is indicated by vomiting, abdominal pain, itching or discharge of the vagina, black tongue, sore mouth, white patches of the tongue, mild nausea or diarrhea. More serious side effects may include seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising or an allergic reaction. Emergency help should be sought if any of these symptoms occur.

Storage

Capsules and tablets should be stored away from heat, direct light and moisture. Oral liquid should be kept in the freezer to prevent it breaking down. All outdated medicine should be disposed. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Pain in the fingers or toes, loss of feeling in the fingers of toes, muscle spasm or weakness, seizures, pain or twitching, confusion, agitation and coma are signs of an overdose and emergency attention should be sought immediately.

More Information

The effectiveness of birth control pills may be decreased during the treatment of Amoxil.