Amoxicillin
is a penicillin-like antibiotic used to treat certain infections
caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis; venereal
disease (VD); and ear, lung, nose, urinary tract, and skin infections.
Amoxicillin also is used before some surgery or dental work
to prevent infection.
Directions
Amoxicillin
is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day). Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take amoxicillin exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less Amoxicillin or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor. The tablets should be crushed
or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. Continue
to take amoxicillin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
amoxicillin without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects
Although
side effects from amoxicillin are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away: upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, or mild
skin rash. If you experience any of the following symptoms
while taking Amoxicillin, call your doctor immediately:
severe skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or
swallowing, wheezing, or vaginal infection.
Precautions
Before taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin,
or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what
prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially other antibiotics, allopurinol (Lopurin), anticoagulants
('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), oral contraceptives,
probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. Tell your doctor if
you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies,
asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems, or hay
fever. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant
while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor. If you are having
surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist
that you are taking amoxicillin.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Amoxicillin, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
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