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 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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.
• You may not be able to take Amoxicillin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
• Each 200 mg Amoxil chewable tablet contains 1.82 mg phenylalanine and each 400 mg Amoxil chewable tablet contains 3.64 mg phenylalanine. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• 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. Although serious problems have not been reported, rarely, Amoxicillin may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or an 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 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.
• The dispersible tablets (e.g., Dispermox) should be dissolved in water before administration. One tablet should be added to a container holding approximately 2 teaspoons of water (10 mL). Stir or swirl the mixture until the tablet is completely dissolved. Drink the entire mixture immediately, do not save for later use. Rinse the container with another small amount of water and drink the contents to ensure you get the full dose of medicine. Do not chew or swallow the tablets. The tablets will not dissolve in the mouth. Do not dissolve the tablets in any liquid other than water.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Amoxicillin 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.
• Take all of the Amoxicillin 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 stored in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after this amount of time.

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 other drugs will affect Amoxicillin?

• Before taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection);
  • methotrexate (Rheumatrex);
  • allopurinol (Zyloprim); or
  • probenecid (Benemid).
• You may not be able to take Amoxicillin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Amoxicillin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.