Amoxicillin: antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections (2023)

1. About amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections such asbreast infection(Includinglung infection) midental abscesses. It can also be used along with other antibiotics and drugs for treatment.stomach ulcers.

Children are often prescribed for treatment.ear infectionand lung infections.

Amoxicillin is only available with a prescription. It comes in the form of capsules or as a liquid that is swallowed. It is also given by injection, but this is usually only done in the hospital.

2. Key data

  • With most infections, you will feel better in a few days.
  • The most common side effects of amoxicillin are nausea and diarrhea.
  • Liquid amoxicillin can stain teeth. This does not last long and is removed by brushing.
  • You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
  • Sometimes taking amoxicillin can cause it.Soor.

3. Who can and who can't take amoxicillin?

Most adults and children can take amoxicillin.

Learn more about giving amoxicillin to children atPediatric medication website.

Amoxicillin is not for everyone. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, penicillin or any other medicine
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have recently received or are about to receive any vaccination

4. How and when to take amoxicillin?

Dose

The usual dose of amoxicillin capsules is 250 mg to 500 mg three times a day. In children, the dose may be lower.

Liquid amoxicillin is available in 125mg and 250mg doses.

Important

Continue taking this medicine until the end of the cycle, even if you feel better. If you stop treatment early, the infection may come back.

how to drink

Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it three times a day, it can be in the morning, in the afternoon, and before bed.

You can take amoxicillin before or after meals.

Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or break them.

Amoxicillin is available in liquid form for children and people who have trouble swallowing capsules.

If you or your child are taking liquid amoxicillin, your pharmacist will usually reimburse you. The medicine comes with a plastic syringe or spoon so you can measure the correct dose. If you don't have one, ask your pharmacist. Don't use a teaspoon as it won't measure the correct amount.

If you forget to take a dose

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you frequently forget doses, setting an alarm to remind you can help. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on remembering your medication.

if you drink too much

Taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to harm you or your child, but talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are concerned.

Urgent notice:Call 111 now for advice if:

You have taken more than the prescribed dose of amoxicillin and have symptoms such as:

  • abdominal pain or nausea
  • blood in your urine
  • Difficulty urinating or producing less urine than normal

Gonna111.nhs.ukor call111

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, amoxicillin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

frequent side effects

These common side effects affect about 1 in 10 people. Continue to take the medication, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • nausea (nausea)
  • Diarrhea

serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and affect less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor or call 911 right away if you have:

  • Diarrhea (possibly with stomach cramps) containing blood or mucus or severe diarrhea lasting more than 4 days
  • pale stools and dark urine, and the whites of the eyes or skin turning yellow (although this may be less noticeable with brown or black skin); these could be signs of liver or gallbladder problems.
  • bruising or changes in skin color
  • Joint or muscle pain that occurs after 2 days of taking the drug
  • a rash with circular red spots (this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin)

Some of these serious side effects can occur up to 2 months after stopping amoxicillin.

severe allergic reaction

About 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and may appear as a rash.

Mild rashes can usually be treated by ingestion.antihistamines.

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Immediate Action Required:Call 999 or ask A&E now if:
  • You have a rash that may include itching, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling skin.
  • you are out of breath
  • You feel tightness in your chest or throat
  • You have trouble breathing or speaking
  • Your mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat begin to swell

You may have a severe allergic reaction and need hospital treatment right away.

These are not all of the side effects of amoxicillin. For a complete list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine package.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effects through the yellow card security system.

See Yellow Card for more information.

6. How to deal with the side effects of amoxicillin

What to do against:

  • Feeling sick– Stick to simple foods and avoid eating rich or spicy foods. It may be helpful to take amoxicillin after a meal or snack.
  • Diarrhea– Drink plenty of fluids like water or pumpkin to avoid thisdehydration. Signs of dehydration include less urine than normal or dark, foul-smelling urine. Do not take other medicines for treatment.Diarrheawithout talking to a pharmacist or doctor. If youif you are taking contraceptives and have severe diarrhea for more than 24 hours, your birth control pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill pack to find out what to do.

7. Pregnancy and lactation

amoxicillin and pregnancy

It is safe to take amoxicillin during pregnancy.

amoxicillin and lactation

It is okay to take amoxicillin while breastfeeding. Information shows that only small amounts of amoxicillin are excreted in human milk. Such concentrations are not expected to have side effects on your baby.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or midwife if:

  • Your baby is not drinking as well as usual
  • have sickness or diarrhea
  • your baby hasMundsoor, or a rash
  • You have other concerns about your baby.

For more information on how amoxicillin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, seedie website Better Use of Medications in Pregnancy (BUMPS)..

8. Precautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that do not mix well with amoxicillin.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines before you start taking amoxicillin:

  • methotrexate, used to treat arthritis and psoriasis
  • warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • Medicines for gout called probenecid oralopurinol
  • other antibiotics

Tell your doctor if you have recently received or will be receiving an oral typhoid vaccine. Amoxicillin can make it less effective.

Amoxicillin mix with herbal remedies and dietary supplements

There is little information on how to take it.herbal remediesand supplements along with amoxicillin.

Important:drug safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins, or dietary supplements.

9. Frequently asked questions about amoxicillin

How does amoxicillin work?

Amoxicillin is a penicillinAntibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that is causing the infection.

When will I feel better?

For most infections, you should feel better in a few days.

It is very important that you continue to take amoxicillin until your treatment is complete. Do this even if you feel better. This will prevent the infection from coming back.

What if I'm not better?

Tell your doctor if you do not feel better after taking amoxicillin for 3 days. Also, let them know if you feel worse at any time.

Will it give me thrush?

Some people get what is called yeast infection.Soorafter taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin. If you think you may have thrush, talk to your pharmacist or ask your doctor for advice.

How is amoxicillin different from other antibiotics?

amoxicillin and other penicillins such asPhenoxymethylpenicillin, are antibiotics commonly used to treat a variety of infections, including infections of the skin, teeth, throat, and chest.

Not all antibiotics are suitable for all infections. Your doctor will choose an appropriate antibiotic for the type of infection you have. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Does this affect my birth control?

Amoxicillin does not prevent the effects of birth control pills, includingcombination pilloemergency contraception.

However, if amoxicillin makes you feel sick (vomiting) or you have severe diarrhea for more than 24 hours, your birth control pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill pack to find out what to do.

know more about itWhat to do if you are taking the pill and have nausea or diarrhoea?.

Will this affect my fertility?

There is no evidence that taking amoxicillin reduces fertility in men or women.

Do you discolor your teeth?

If you or your child are taking liquid amoxicillin, it may stain your teeth. This does not last and should go away after a thorough brushing.

Amoxicillin capsules do not stain teeth.

Can I drive a car or ride a bike?

Yes. Amoxicillin should not affect your ability to drive or ride a bicycle.

Is there any food or drink that I should avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking amoxicillin.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with amoxicillin.

References

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