1. Amoxicillin is a Member of the Penicillin Family
Amoxicillin is a version of the common antibiotic, penicillin. It treats infections by killing bacteria and preventing new growth. It treats a bevy of infections including Lyme disease, typhoid fever, peptic ulcer disease and chlamydia infections in pregnant women. It is commonly prescribed for children who suffer from ear infections. Amoxicillin is available only by a prescription from your doctor.
2. Amoxicillin can be Disguised for Kids
The last thing many sick children want to do is take their medicine. Amoxicillin can come in a fruity tasting pink liquid form and many kids are willing to take it. You can also mix amoxicillin with formula, water, fruit juice or milk, whatever you can get your child drink. Just be sure that you serve the amoxicillin drink right away, otherwise it won't work as well. Also, be sure that brothers or sisters don't accidentally take any of the medicine-flavored drink. Many penicillins are best with a glass of water on an empty stomach. However, you can take amoxicillin with or without food.
3. Some People Should Skip Taking Amoxicillin
People who are allergic to penicillin should not take amoxicillin, since it is in the same family of antibiotics. Even if you are not allergic to amoxicillin or penicillin, you may have other conditions that don't mix well with amoxicillin. Anyone with asthma, eczema, hives or other allergic conditions should tell their doctor before taking any amoxicillin or penicillin.
4. Don't use Amoxicillin in Place of Other Penicillins
Even though amoxicillin is part of the penicillin family, it can't treat all infections. Only your doctor can decide which type of penicillin is best for your condition. So don't start sharing the bottle of amoxicillin with family members if you start to feel an infection coming on. Just go to the doctor.
5. Always Finish Your Entire Prescription of Amoxicillin
It is tempting to stop taking any type of medication once you start feeling better. However, it is very important that you finish the entire prescription of amoxicillin, which can last anywhere between 10 days to a couple of weeks. If you don't finish the prescription there is a good chance that the infection will come back, stronger this time. And then you will need a higher dose of penicillin in order to fight it off.
