Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin family, available under brand names like Trimox, Moxatag, and Amoxil. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis (respiratory infections), ear, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin infections. Additionally, it is used with another antibiotic called Clarithromycin and a stomach acid reducer called Lansoprazole (Prevacid) to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Amoxicillin is available in chewable and swallowable tablets, capsules, and suspensions.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections and is ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. It should be taken for the prescribed duration and completed entirely, even if symptoms improve before the infection is fully resolved.

Antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, may cause diarrhea during or even months after use. If you experience watery or bloody diarrhea, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions Before Using Amoxicillin

Do not use Amoxicillin if you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics such as Ampicillin (Omnipen and Principen), Dicloxacillin (Dycill and Dynapen), Oxacillin (Bactocill), Penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, and V-Cillin). Inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure the safe use of this medication:

• Kidney disease
• Mononucleosis (a viral infection affecting the liver, respiratory, and lymphatic systems)
• Diarrhea caused by antibiotic use
• Asthma
• Liver disease
• Bleeding or blood clotting disorders
• Food or drug allergies (especially to cephalosporin antibiotics like Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and Omnicef)

The potential harm of this drug to a fetus is not well established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Additionally, Amoxicillin may not be suitable during breastfeeding, so consult your doctor in this case.

Note that Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, consider using non-hormonal contraceptive methods while taking this medication.

How to Use Amoxicillin

• Take Amoxicillin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on the label and take the medication daily at the same time. Some forms of Amoxicillin may be taken with or without food and could be chewable or swallowable—pay attention to the instructions. Shake the oral suspension well before use and measure it with a syringe, dropper, or measuring spoon. Amoxicillin liquid can be mixed with water, milk, or juice for consumption.
• If you are using Amoxicillin in combination with Clarithromycin and/or Lansoprazole for stomach ulcers, strictly follow your doctor’s instructions without altering the medication regimen.
• Finish the full prescribed course of Amoxicillin, even if symptoms improve, to avoid the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.
• Inform your doctor about this medication before undergoing medical tests, as it may affect test results.
• Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Liquid Amoxicillin can be refrigerated.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses simultaneously.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Amoxicillin, contact emergency medical services immediately.

What to Avoid While Taking Amoxicillin

Antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, may cause diarrhea, which could indicate a new infection. If you experience watery or bloody diarrhea, consult your doctor before using anti-diarrheal medications.

Side Effects of Amoxicillin

Common side effects of Amoxicillin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin rash. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Severe skin reactions, such as red or purple rashes, blistering, and peeling, accompanied by fever, sore throat, and burning eyes, require immediate medical attention.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain or watery or bloody diarrhea, even months after completing the medication course.

Drug Interactions

Amoxicillin may interact with other antibiotics, Allopurinol (used to prevent gout and uric acid kidney stones), Probenecid (for chronic gout treatment), and blood thinners such as Warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven.

Sources: drugs.com, medlineplus.com, webmd.com