About Amoxil

This page should save you time researching Amoxil. This is a combined collection of information from the FDA, Physicians Desk Reference, Ferri’s Clinical Advisor, Encyclopedia of Medical Care and top Internet sites.

What is Amoxil?

Amoxil (pronounced: a-MOX-il) is the world’s most widely prescribed antibiotic. It is in the class of drugs called penicillins. The generic name for Amoxil is Amoxicillin. It is sold under a verity of brand names including Amoxicot, Amoxil, Amoxil Pediatric Drops, Biomox, Dispermox, Trimox and Wymox. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. That means it has the ability to kill a wide range of bacterial infections.

Amoxil comes in capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and powder for oral suspension

Medications that contain Amoxil ingredients are;

• Almodan
• Amix
• Amoram
• Amoxicillin Sachets
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxil Chewable Tablets
• Amoxil for Oral Suspension
• Amoxil Pediatric Drops for Oral Suspension
• Amoxil Sachets
• Amoxil Tablets
• Augmentin Chewable Tablets
• Augmentin ES-600 Powder for Oral Solution
• Augmentin Powder for Oral Suspension
• Augmentin Tablets
• Augmentin XR Tablets
• Galenamox
• Prevpac
• Rimoxallin

Amoxil Usage

Amoxil is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, middle ear infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, salmonella infections, and infections of the genital and urinary tract.

In combination with other drugs such as Prevacid and Biaxin, it is also used to treat duodenal ulcers (caused by H. pylori bacteria) in the wall of the small intestine near the stomach.

Amoxil may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Amoxil is not effective against the bird flu.

How does Amoxil work

Amoxil kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to form cell walls. Since the bacteria can not survive without a cell wall, they break up and die.

Important facts about Amoxil

If you are allergic to other antibiotics, like penicillin or cephalosporin (Ceclor), consult your doctor before taking Amoxil. There is a possibility that you are allergic to Amoxil. If a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. Seek medical attention immediately.

If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, talk with your doctor about this before taking Amoxil.

Before taking Amoxil, tell your doctor if you have ever had colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.

Taking Amoxil

Take Amoxil exactly as directed by your doctor. Amoxil can be taken with or without food. Amoxil suspension should be shaken well before using.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember.

If you take 2 doses a day and it is almost time for the next dose, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later.

If you take 3 or more doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule.

Side effects of Amoxil

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

• Agitation
• anemia
• anxiety
• changes in behavior
• colitis
• confusion
• convulsions
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• hives
• hyperactivity
• insomnia
• itching
• liver problems and jaundice
• nausea
• peeling skin
• rash
• tooth discoloration in children
• vomiting.

Just because a side effect is listed here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

When used in combination with Prevacid and/or Biaxin for the treatment of ulcers, the most common side effects are changes in taste sensation, diarrhea, and headache.

Recommended Dosage

The dosage will be determined according to the type of infection being treated.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

ADULTS

Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin, Genital, and Urinary Tract Infections

The usual dosage is 250 milligrams, taken every 8 hours.

Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract

The usual dosage is 500 milligrams, taken every 8 hours.

Gonorrhea

The usual dosage is 3 grams in a single oral dose.

Gonococcal Infections Such as Acute, Uncomplicated Anogenital and Urethral Infections

3 grams as a single oral dose.

Ulcers

1 gram of Amoxil in combination with 500 milligrams of Biaxin and 30 milligrams of Prevacid taken every 12 hours for 14 days.

Alternatively, 1 gram of Amoxil can be taken with 30 milligrams of Prevacid every 8 hours for 14 days.

CHILDREN

Children weighing 44 pounds and over should follow the recommended adult dose schedule.

Children weighing less than 44 pounds will have their dosage determined by their weight.

Dosage of Pediatric Drops:

Use the dropper provided with the medication to measure all doses.

All Infections Except Those of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Under 13 pounds – 0.75 milliliter every 8 hours.

13 to 15 pounds – 1 milliliter every 8 hours.

16 to 18 pounds – 1.25 milliliters every 8 hours.

Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Under 13 pounds – 1.25 milliliters every 8 hours.

13 to 15 pounds – 1.75 milliliters every 8 hours.

16 to 18 pounds – 2.25 milliliters every 8 hours.

Children weighing more than 18 pounds should take the oral liquid. The required amount of suspension 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 preparation should be taken immediately. To be certain the child is getting the full dose of medication, make sure he or she drinks the entire preparation.

Overdose

The symptoms of Amoxil overdose may include:

• agitation
• coma
• confusion
• diarrhea
• loss of feeling in the fingers or toes
• muscle spasms or weakness
• nausea
• pain in the fingers or toes
• pain or twitching
• seizures
• severe decrease in the amount of urine
• stomach cramps
• vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Special warnings

If you have a reaction such as bruising, fever, skin rash, itching, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and/or sores on the genitals, you should stop taking Amoxil unless your doctor advises you to continue.

It is important to take Amoxil for the entire amount of time your doctor has prescribed. Even if you feel better, continue taking Amoxil. If you stop before your treatment is complete, you may get other infections, such as glomerulonephritis (a kidney infection) or rheumatic fever.

If you are diabetic, be aware that Amoxil may cause a false positive urine glucose test (Clinitest).

Amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you are taking birth control pills, use a second method of birth control while taking amoxicillin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.

You should talk with your doctor about using different tests while taking Amoxil.

Combining Amoxil with other drugs

If Amoxil is taken with other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Amoxil with the following:

• another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection)
• Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
• Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S., pce, others)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• Oral contraceptives
• Probenecid (Benemid)
• Probenecid
• Tetracycline (Achromycin V, others)

Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of the combined oral contraceptive pill.

The removal of penicillins from the body can be slowed when given with Probenecid.

Penicillins may decrease the removal of methotrexate from the body increasing the risk of toxicity.

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin may alter the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin.

Amoxil increases the effects of methotrexate.

Amoxil increases the side effects of allopurinol (Zyloprim) and may cause a rash.

Probenecid (Benemid) increases the effects of Amoxil.

Storage instructions

The Amoxil suspension and pediatric drops should be stored in a tightly closed bottle. Refrigeration is preferable. Store capsules at or below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Store tablets at or below 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

Discard any unused medication after 14 days.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Amoxil should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Amoxicillin passes into breast milk so you should consult your doctor if you plan to breast feed your baby.

Amoxicillin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. That means it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy.

Small amounts of amoxicillin may be excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in nursing infants.

General Notes

If you have any symptom listed on this page, only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Amoxil.

Although serious problems have not been reported, in rare cases amoxicillin can cause a yeast infection. Treatment with any antibacterial agent alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia.

With prolonged use, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney and liver function, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

A complete blood count (CBC) should be done after completing Amoxil to determine if the bacterial infection is gone or you need to extend treatment.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs, Amoxil should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. We do not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy.

Do not break, chew, open, or crush the capsules. Swallow them whole.

Alcohol may irritate your stomach if taken with Amoxil, so use it with moderation. Read feedback about antibiotics.