Amoxicillin, an antibiotic, is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including: gonorrhea, middle ear infections, skin infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and infections of the genital and urinary tract. In combination with other drugs such as Prilosec, Prevacid, and/or Biaxin, it is also used to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria.
If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Amoxicillin. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. If you are using Amoxicillin suspension, shake it well before using.
Your doctor will only prescribe Amoxicillin to treat a bacterial infection. Amoxicillin will not cure a viral infection such as the common cold. It's important to take all of your medication as instructed by your doctor, even if you're feeling better in a few days. Not finishing the complete dosage of Amoxicillin may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances for bacterial resistance to Amoxicillin and similar antibiotics.
Amoxil capsules, syrup, paediatric suspension, sachets, and injection contain the active ingredient amoxicillin in the UK). Amoxicillin belongs to a group of antibiotics called penicillins. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The injection is used to treat more serious infections, or in cases where the drug can't be taken by mouth.
Amoxicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out. Amoxicillin impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. This allows holes to appear in the cell walls and kills the bacteria.
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that cause a wide variety of commonly-occuring infections. Amoxicillin may be used to treat infections of the upper or lower airways, skin or soft tissue, or ears. It may also be used to treat urine infections, certain sexually-transmitted infections, dental infections, and infections affecting the blood or internal organs.
To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to amoxicillin your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- abdominal infections;
- bacterial infection of the heart valves and the lining surrounding the heart;
- bacterial infection of the middle ear;
- bronchitis;
- dental abscess;
- eradicating bacteria in the gut that cause ulcers;
- gonorrhoea;
- gynaecological infections including those following childbirth or abortion;
- infection of the blood;
- infections of the organs associated with breathing including nasal passages sinuses windpipe and lungs;
- infections of the urinary tract;
- pneumonia;
- preventing infection of the heart during medical or dental procedures in people with heart valve defects or artificial heart valves;
- skin or soft tissue infections;
- typhoid and paratyphoid fever;
- vomiting;
- tooth discoloration in children;
- rash;
- peeling skin;
- nausea;
- liver problems and jaundice;
- insomnia;
- hyperactivity;
- hives;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- convulsions;
- confusion;
- colitis;
- changes in behavior;
- anxiety;
- anemia;
- vomiting;
- rash;
- overgrowth of the yeast candida which may cause infection such as thrush;
- nausea;
- itching;
- inflammation of the large intestine;
- dizziness;
- diarrhoea;
- blood disorders;
- allergic reaction to active ingredient;
- agitation;
Dosages will be determined by the type of infection being treated.
ADULTS
Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, Genital, and Urinary Tract Infections
For mild or moderate infections, the usual dose is 250 mg every 8 hours, or 500 mg every 12 hours. For severe infections, the usual dose is 500 mg every 8 hours, or 875 mg every 12 hours.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
For mild, moderate, or severe infections, the usual dose is 500 mg every 8 hours, or 875 mg every 12 hours.
Gonorrhea, Acute, Uncomplicated Anogenital and Urethral Infections
The usual dosage is 3 grams in a single oral dose.
Ulcers
For ulcer treatment, Amoxicillin is combined with Biaxin, Prevacid, or Prilosec. There are several dosage regimens available. For more information, refer to the "Recommended Dosage" section under Biaxin, Prevacid, or Prilosec.
If your kidneys are severely impaired or you are undergoing hemodialysis your doctor may have to adjust your dosage accordingly.
CHILDREN OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS
Children weighing 88 pounds and over should follow the recommended adult dose schedule.
Children weighing under 88 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.
Ear, Nose, Throat, Genital, and Urinary Tract Infections
For mild or moderate infections, the usual dose is 25 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two daily doses and taken every 12 hours; or 20 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into three daily doses and taken every 8 hours.
For severe infections, the usual dose is 45 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two daily doses and taken every 12 hours; or 40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into three daily doses and taken every 8 hours.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
For mild, moderate, or severe infections, the usual dose is 45 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two daily doses and taken every 12 hours; or 40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into three daily doses and taken every 8 hours.
For infants 3 months or younger the maximum daily dose is 30 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into two daily doses and taken every 12 hours.
The required amount of liquid medication should be placed directly on the child's tongue for swallowing. It can also be added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks. The drug should be taken immediately. To be certain the child is getting the full dose of medication, make sure he or she drinks the entire drug.
If your child is taking the pediatric drops, use the dropper provided to measure the dosage.
