Why is amoxicillin used

The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.

However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amoxicillin.

If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape not Clinitest to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the amoxicillin, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available.

Amoxicillin pronounced as a mox I sil' in. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? Reviewed: November 16, Tell your doctor if you have ever had: kidney disease; mononucleosis also called "mono" ; diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or food or drug allergies especially to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others.

Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Amoxicillin Amoxil? Call your doctor at once if you have: severe stomach pain; or diarrhea that is watery or bloody even if it occurs months after your last dose. Common side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or rash. Based on FDA pregnancy categories. Interactions What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Amoxicillin Amoxil? Shake the oral suspension liquid before you measure a dose.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it. Swallow the regular tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. What should I do if I missed a dose of Amoxicillin Amoxil? If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Amoxicillin Amoxil , call your doctor or the Poison Control center.

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Amoxicillin Amoxil , call What to Expect You should start to feel better within a few days of taking amoxicillin. Additional Dosage Information Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, your weight, and other factors.

Secondary Uses Amoxicillin is used to treat a wide variety of infections. See More. Medical Disclaimer Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. Amoxicillin is a similar antibiotic to penicillin. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

It's very important that you keep taking amoxicillin until your course is finished. Do this even if you feel better. It will help stop the infection coming back. Tell your doctor if you don't start feeling better after taking amoxicillin for 3 days.

Also tell them if, at any time, you start to feel worse. Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin.

It happens because antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to protect you against thrush. Amoxicillin doesn't stop contraceptive pills working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception. However, if amoxicillin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea 6 to 8 watery poos in 24 hours for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.

Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking amoxicillin will reduce fertility in either men or women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant. If you or your child take amoxicillin as a liquid medicine, it can stain your teeth. This doesn't last and should go after brushing your teeth well.

It's possible that a straightforward urinary tract infection UTI may clear up on its own without any treatment. However, it's usually best to treat a UTI with an antibiotic, or it could spread to the kidneys and lead to more serious problems. Although they won't do any harm, there's little evidence to show drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements helps treat or prevent UTIs.

Page last reviewed: 23 November Next review due: 23 November Amoxicillin On this page About amoxicillin Key facts Who can and cannot take amoxicillin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About amoxicillin Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? For most infections, you'll start to feel better in a few days. The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick nausea and diarrhoea. Liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth. This doesn't last and is removed by brushing.

You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is also called by the brand name Amoxil. Amoxicillin can be taken by children. Information: Recommended reading Giving amoxicillin to children: information on Medicines for Children website. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you : have had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin or any other medicines in the past have liver or kidney problems have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.

You can take amoxicillin before or after food. Important Carry on taking this medicine until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. How to take it Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a drink of water. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much?