Amoxil

The active ingredient in Amoxil is amoxicillin. Amoxil's mechanism of action is a type of penicillin antibiotic that kills bacteria on the cell wall by preventing them from making an additional covering around themselves for protection.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Amoxil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Amoxil:

• Take Amoxil or amoxicillin capsules at the same time every day.
• Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before measuring a dose.
• Measure liquid medicine using the accompanying dosing syringe or medical dose-measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon). You can combine the liquid with water, milk, infant formula, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Drink the entire mixture immediately away. Do not save for future use.
• You may require frequent medical tests.
• If you are taking Amoxil with clarithromycin and/or lansoprazole to treat a stomach ulcer, take all of your medications exactly as prescribed. Read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with each drug. Do not change your doses or prescription schedule without consulting your doctor first.

The most common side effects of amoxicillin seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Skin rash.
• Headache.
• Changes in taste.
• Crystalluria.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Amoxil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and skin reactions include hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing.
• Infectious (C. difficile-related) Diarrhoea symptoms include a fast heartbeat, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, and frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times a day).
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Gastrointestinal (eg, black hairy tongue and hemorrhagic/pseudomembranous colitis, which may occur during or after treatment), drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Amoxil. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Amoxil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Kidney disease.
• Mononucleosis (commonly known as "mono").
• Taking antibiotics causes diarrhea.
• Food or drug allergies (particularly to cephalosporin antibiotics like Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others).

Documented hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, and imipenem.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) begins to act rapidly; you should feel better within 2 to 3 days. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) often remains in the body for up to 8 hours before the majority of the antibiotic exits following a single dose.

When Amoxil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Certain antibiotics like chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline.
• Allopurinol.
• Ampicillin.
• Anticoagulants.
• Probenecid.
• Blood thinners - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

The dose of amoxicillin and duration of treatment are determined by the kind of infection, severity, weight, and presence of kidney issues. Your provider will establish the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for you.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is available in many dosage forms such as tablet, pill, and liquid forms for oral administration. This prescription is also available as chewable pills, which are chewed before swallowing.

Mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and UTIs:

Adults and infants at least three months old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms): The normal dose is 500 mg orally every 12 hours, or 250 mg every 8 hours.

Children at least three months old and weighing less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms): The normal dose is 12.5 mg/kg body weight orally every 12 hours, or 6.7 mg/kg every 8 hours.

Children under 3 months old: The normal dose is up to 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours.

Lower respiratory tract and other serious illnesses:

Adults and infants at least three months old and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms): The normal dose is 500 mg taken orally every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours.

Children at least three months old and weighing less than 88 pounds (40 kilograms): The normal dose is 13.3 mg/kg body weight orally every 8 hours or 22.5 mg/kg every 12 hours.

Children under 3 months old: The normal dose is up to 15 mg/kg orally every 12 hours.

H. pylori infection (Helicobacter pylori) (only in adults):

Triple therapy: The normal dose is 1 gram taken orally every 12 hours for 14 days. It is administered in combination with clarithromycin and lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Dual therapy: The normal dose is 1 gram taken orally every 8 hours for 14 days. It is administered alongside lansoprazole (Prevacid).

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light, and keep out of reach of children.

Liquid Amoxil can be stored in the refrigerator but should not be frozen. Throw away any liquid Amoxil that hasn't been used within 14 days of being mixed at the pharmacy.

GlaxoSmithKline is the company that manufactures Amoxil.

There are lower-cost generics available.

Even if your symptoms resolve fast, continue to take amoxicillin for the full duration recommended. Skipping doses increases your risk of developing a drug-resistant infection. Amoxil does not treat viral infections like the flu or the common cold.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Amoxicillin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Consult your doctor about using a non-hormonal contraception (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to avoid pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. The medication may pass through the breast milk and harm the baby.