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Amoxicillin

Antibiotic
Often used for: Infections

What is amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. It works to kill bacteria that cause infections. Amoxicillin is in the penicillin family of antibiotics. Amoxicillin comes in different forms. Follow dosing instructions carefully.

Amoxicillin at home

  • Take the medicine at the same time each day.
  • Extended-release tablets: Swallow whole within 1 hour after a meal. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
  • Other forms can be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
  • Liquid medicine: Shake well and use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. The liquid may be mixed with a cold drink and taken immediately.
  • Chew or crush chewable tablets before swallowing.
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store amoxicillin at room temperature. Liquid amoxicillin may be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator; discard after 14 days.
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
  • Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal.
May be taken as a chewable tablet by mouth
May be taken as a capsule by mouth
May be taken as a liquid by mouth

Other names

p-Hydroxyampicillin

Possible side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Changes in taste
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck
  • Not all patients who take amoxicillin will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for families

  • Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Let a doctor know if the patient has severe diarrhea while on this medicine.
  • While taking this medicine, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Follow the care team's instructions for appropriate fluid intake.
  • Amoxicillin may affect some lab tests, especially in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes). Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about how to use and read urine glucose test strips.
  • Amoxicillin may affect the way other medicines work. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, especially if taking methotrexate or probenecid.
  • Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Amoxicillin may make birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods less effective. Sexually active patients should use another form of birth control while taking this medicine.
  • Finish all doses of the medicine as instructed by a doctor or pharmacist.