Amoxicillin fact sheet

Amoxicillin treats bacterial infections. Take it exactly as prescribed; don’t stop early, even if you feel better.

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Severe allergic reactions, though rare, require immediate medical attention. Symptoms include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

Amoxicillin is available in various forms: capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid suspension. Dosage depends on your weight and the type of infection. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage and treatment duration.

Store amoxicillin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Discard any leftover medication after completing treatment according to your physician’s instructions.

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Amoxicillin can interact with some medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require specific considerations; consult your doctor.

Don’t use amoxicillin for viral infections like the common cold or flu. It’s only effective against bacteria. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek immediate medical advice.

This information provides a general overview. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice. They can answer your specific questions and address your individual health concerns.

What is Amoxicillin and How Does it Work?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic, fighting bacterial infections by preventing them from building their protective cell walls. This process stops bacterial growth and allows your body’s immune system to eliminate the infection.

Targeting Bacteria

Specifically, amoxicillin inhibits the formation of peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls. Without this vital structural element, bacteria become vulnerable and die. Amoxicillin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those causing ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Important Considerations

Amoxicillin is usually taken orally as a tablet or capsule, though liquid forms are available. Dosage depends on the infection’s severity and the patient’s weight and age. Always follow your doctor’s prescription instructions carefully. Allergic reactions, although uncommon, are possible. Tell your doctor if you’ve had penicillin allergies in the past. Complete the entire course of medication, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection’s return.

Common Uses and Conditions Treated

Amoxicillin effectively treats many bacterial infections. Doctors frequently prescribe it for ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections (sinusitis), and respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. It’s also a common choice for treating skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Specific Bacterial Targets

Amoxicillin targets a wide range of bacteria, including Streptococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Escherichia coli. This broad spectrum makes it suitable for various infections. However, remember amoxicillin is ineffective against viruses, so it won’t treat conditions like the common cold or influenza.

Important Considerations

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before finishing. This prevents the bacteria from developing resistance. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Dosage and Administration Guidelines

Always follow your doctor’s prescription. Amoxicillin dosage depends on several factors including your weight, age, and the type of infection being treated. Typical dosages range from 250mg to 2000mg per day, divided into multiple doses.

For children, the dosage is usually calculated based on their weight in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) per day. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for your child.

Amoxicillin is usually taken orally with a glass of water. It’s best to take it with food to minimize stomach upset. However, follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding food intake.

Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before finishing. Stopping treatment early may lead to the infection recurring or becoming resistant to the medication.

Here’s a general guide, but remember: this is not a substitute for medical advice:

Age Group	Typical Dosage (mg/kg/day)	Frequency
Infants (under 3 months)	20-30	Every 12 hours
Children (3-12 months)	30-50	Every 12 hours
Children (1-5 years)	40-50	Every 8-12 hours
Children (5-12 years)	25-40	Every 8 hours
Adults	Variable, depending on infection	Every 8-12 hours

Missed doses should be taken as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Never double up on doses.

If you experience any side effects, such as rash, diarrhea, or nausea, contact your doctor immediately.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Amoxicillin, while generally safe, can cause side effects. The most common are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These usually are mild and resolve without treatment. However, severe diarrhea may indicate Clostridium difficile infection, requiring immediate medical attention. Report persistent or severe diarrhea to your doctor.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions, ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition), are possible. Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency medical care. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and hives. If you experience any allergic reaction, stop taking amoxicillin and seek medical help immediately. Prior penicillin allergy increases your risk of an amoxicillin allergy. Inform your doctor about any past medication allergies.

Other Potential Side Effects

Less common side effects include yeast infections (especially in women), changes in taste, and a decrease in the number of white blood cells. These are usually manageable, but reporting them to your doctor ensures proper monitoring and treatment if needed. Long-term use of amoxicillin can disrupt your gut flora, leading to potential digestive issues. Your doctor may recommend probiotics to mitigate this risk.

Before starting amoxicillin, discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This ensures the medication is suitable and the dosage is appropriately adjusted. Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment; do not stop taking the medication early, even if you feel better. This prevents potential recurrence of infection.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Amoxicillin can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements.

Medications to Discuss with Your Doctor

Oral contraceptives: Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of some birth control pills. Consider using additional contraceptive methods while taking amoxicillin.
Warfarin (Coumadin): Concurrent use can increase bleeding risk. Close monitoring of your INR (international normalized ratio) is necessary.
Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may increase methotrexate levels, potentially leading to increased toxicity. Your doctor will likely monitor your blood counts closely.
Probenecid: This medication prolongs amoxicillin’s presence in the body, potentially increasing its effects and side effects. Dosage adjustments may be required.
Allopurinol: Combining these medications can increase the risk of skin reactions.

Contraindications

Amoxicillin should be avoided in individuals with a known allergy to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics. A history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to penicillins is a strict contraindication.

Before Starting Amoxicillin

Provide your doctor with a complete medication history.
Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease.
Mention any allergies, including drug allergies.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before taking amoxicillin.

Reporting Side Effects

Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist immediately. This includes skin rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (signs of a serious allergic reaction).

Storage and Disposal Instructions

Store amoxicillin capsules or liquid at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

Discard any unused amoxicillin after the expiration date printed on the label. Never use expired medication. For liquid amoxicillin, check the label for specific disposal instructions. It may require discarding the unused portion after a certain number of days.

For safe disposal of unused amoxicillin: Mix the medication with an undesirable substance, like used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Then, seal it in a plastic bag and place it in your household trash. Alternatively, check with your local pharmacy or waste management service for specific guidelines on medication disposal in your area. They may offer a medication take-back program.

Always supervise children around medication and keep it out of their reach.

If you have any questions or concerns about storing or disposing of your amoxicillin, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

Amoxicillin fact sheet