What is Amoxil?

Amoxil is an antibiotic, which is used to treat a range of infections. This includes: gonorrhea, middle ear infections, bladder infections, pneumonia, E. coli, salmonella infection skin infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and infections of the genital and urinary tract. When used with other drugs like Prilosec, Prevacid, and/or Biaxin, it can treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria. Amoxil suspension and pediatric drops need to be stored in a tightly closed bottle. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days. Refrigeration is adviced. Amoxil is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your body.

How does Amoxil work?

Amoxil treats bacterial infection and not viral infections such as the common cold. It works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. Cell walls of bacteria are essential for their endurance. They keep unnecessary substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out. Amoxil impacts the bonds that hold any bacterial cell wall together. This results in holes in cell walls and kills the bacteria.

How to Take Amoxil?

• Amoxil can be taken with or without food.
• Shake Amoxil suspension well before using.
• Take all medication as instructed by your doctor, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Incomplete dosage of Amoxil can reduce the drug's efficiency and add to the chances for bacterial opposition to Amoxil and comparable antibiotics.
• If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, take the one you missed and the next after dose 5 to 6 hours later.
• Return to your regular schedule from the next day.

Side effects of Amoxil

Get immediate medical help if you have any of signs of an allergic reaction. This includes hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you experience:

• fever
• sore throat
• headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• nausea
• stomach pain
• low fever
• loss of appetite
• dark urine
• clay-colored stools
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
• seizure (black-out or convulsions)

Less serious side effects include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• vaginal itching or discharge
• headache
• swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue
• Thrush (white patches or inside your mouth or throat)

Other side effects could occur. Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that seem strange or bother you.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Amoxil?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Amoxil or to any other penicillin antibiotic.
Before using Amoxil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs like Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex, and other.

Inform your doctor about:

• asthma
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• mononucleosis (also called "mono")
• history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics
• History of any type of allergy

If you have any of these conditions, Amoxil may not be prescribed to you or you will be recommended a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tell your doctor if you use any if the following drugs:

• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• probenecid (Benemid)
• a sulfa drug (such as Bactrim or Septra)
• antibiotic or a tetracycline antibiotic (mention the use of any other antibiotic)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Amoxil, will need dosage alteration or particular tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Amoxil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Amoxil could make birth control pills less efficient and cause pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you use birth control pills. The Amoxil chewable tablet could have phenylalanine. Tell your doctor prior to using this form of Amoxil if you have phenylketonuria

What should I avoid while taking Amoxil?

Amoxil can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which could be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, get medical help. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea except if your doctor recommends it.