Drug Notes

Amoxicillin (By mouth)

Amoxicillin (a-mox-i-SIL-in)

Treats infections or stomach ulcers. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Amoxil, Moxatag, Omeclamox-Pak, Prevpac, Triple Therapy

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Chewable tablet: You must chew the tablet before you swallow it. You may crush the tablet and mix the medicine with a small amount of food to make it easier to swallow.
• Oral liquid: Shake well just before each use.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix the oral liquid with a baby formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold drink. Be sure your child drinks all of the mixture right away.
• Tablet for suspension: Place the tablet in a small drinking glass, and add 2 teaspoons of water. Do not use any other liquid. Gently stir or swirl the water in the glass until the tablet is completely dissolved. Drink all of this mixture right away. Add more water to the glass and drink all of it to make sure you get all of the medicine. Do not chew or swallow the tablet for suspension.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the tablets , capsules , and tablets for suspension at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how amoxicillin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Allopurinol
  • Probenecid
  • Birth control pills
  • A blood thinner

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, allergies, or a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Use this medicine to treat only the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection or condition that has not been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or the common cold.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Diarrhea that may contain blood, stomach cramps, fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Mild skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017