Amoxil (Amoxicillin)

Common Use

Amoxil is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the aminopenicillin group. Its mechanism of action is anti-bacterial and involves the inhibition of bacterial cell wall construction in bacteria sensitive to Amoxicillin. Cell walls protect bacteria from the environment, and Amoxicillin’s action prevents their propagation. Amoxicillin can be effective against H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci. Microorganisms producing penicillinase are resistant to Amoxicillin. The medication is not effective against mycobacteria, mycoplasmas, genus Rickettsia, fungi, amoeba, plasmodium, viruses, and also Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp. (excluding P. mirabilis).

Dosage and Directions

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor before taking this medication if you are allergic to cephalosporins (e.g., Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, Keflex), have had asthma, serious liver or kidney impairment, bleeding or blood clotting disorders, mononucleosis, or any type of allergic reaction in history.
• You may take Amoxicillin with or without food.
• The chewable tablet should be chewed before swallowing.
• Swallow Amoxicillin capsules whole with a glass of water.

Precautions

• This medication diminishes the effect of certain contraception drugs.
• Continue to take this drug even if you feel fine, as the bacterial life cycle has certain peculiarities.
• Stopping the drug before completing the course of treatment may result in further propagation of bacteria and the development of strains resistant to this medication.
• Do not give this drug to individuals with similar symptoms if their illness may be caused by another type of microorganism.
• Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea; inform your doctor if this occurs.
• If you breastfeed and take Amoxicillin, the medication may excrete in milk and cause diarrhea in your baby.
• Warn your doctor if you suffer from asthma.

Contraindications

Allergy to Amoxicillin or to any other penicillin antibiotic.

Possible Side Effects

• Besides allergy (hives, swelling, rash), possible reactions to Amoxicillin may include:
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Itching
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Easy bruising

Drug Interaction

Amoxicillin is not known to decrease the effect of birth control pills, increases absorption of digoxin, and increases the toxicity of methotrexate. Excretion of Amoxicillin by kidneys is slowed by aspirin.

Missed Dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms of Amoxicillin overdose may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Disorders of water and electrolyte balance

Contact your doctor for help.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86°F (15-30°C) away from light and moisture.