Capsules, oral suspension, chewable tablets, liquid drops
To treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, and throat, genitourinary tract, skin and soft tissues, and the lower respiratory tract. It is used, often with other drugs, to treat uncomplicated gonorrhea. It is also prescribed preventively before surgery or dental work to patients at risk for endocarditis (infection of the interior lining of the heart). It is also used to treat some stages of Lyme disease and, along with other drugs, to treat H. pylori infection (the cause of stomach ulcers).
Amoxicillin blocks the formation of bacterial cell walls, rendering bacteria unable to multiply and spread.
For infections-- Adults: 250 to 500 mg every eight hours (three doses per day). Children: 3 to 6 mg per lb of body weight every eight hours (three doses per day). To treat gonorrhea--
3 g in a single oral dose.
Rapid; within two hours.
Eight hours.
Best taken on an empty stomach, but may be taken with food to minimize stomach irritation or diarrhea.
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and direct light. Keep any liquid form refrigerated, but do not allow it to freeze, and discard after 14 days.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose.
Take as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. Stopping the drug prematurely may slow your recovery or lead to a rebound infection, also known as superinfection, in which the heartier strains of bacteria survive and multiply, leading to a more serious and drug-resistant infection.
Prolonged use of any antibiotic increases the risk of superinfection; caution is advised.
No special problems are expected.
The use of amoxicillin should not impair your ability to perform such tasks safely.
No special precautions are necessary.
Adequate studies of the use of this drug during pregnancy have not been done; however, no problems have been reported.
Amoxicillin passes into breast milk and may cause diarrhea, fungal infections, and allergic reactions in nursing infants; avoid use while nursing.
No special problems are expected.
Amoxicillin can cause false results on some urine sugar tests for diabetics. Those who are prone to asthma, hay fever, hives, or allergies may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to a penicillin antibiotic. Oral contraceptives may not be effective while you are taking amoxicillin; use other methods of contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasticity, seizures.
Call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you are taking: aminoglycosides, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, potassium supplements or potassium-containing medications, anticoagulants or other anticlotting drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sulfinpyrazone, cholestyramine, colestipol, oral contraceptives, methotrexate, probenecid, allopurinol, or rifampin.
No known food interactions.
Consult your doctor if you have a history of allergies, asthma, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders (especially colitis associated with the use of antibiotics), or impaired kidney function.
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