Amoxicillin is a penicillin that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Penicillins work by killing the infectious bacteria or by preventing its growth. Amoxicillin, in addition to other penicillins, never should be used to treat viral infections, such as colds or the flu. According to the Mayo Clinic, amoxicillin is commonly used to treat chlamydia in pregnant women, Helicobacter pylori gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, leptospirosis, lyme disease and typhoid fever. As with all medications, you should be aware of the guidelines for proper dosage to make sure the medication is the most effective and to prevent overdose and side effects.
Before Taking Amoxicilin
Step 1
Alert your doctor of other medications that you are using. Avoid taking amoxicillin if you are allergic to ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin or cephalosporins, according to Drugs.com.
Step 2
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, such as asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, mononucleosis, diarrhea caused by antibiotics or a history of any allergies, recommends Drugs.com.
Step 3
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or sexually active to avoid damage to the fetus. Also tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Dosage Instructions
Step 1
Talk with your doctor about your dosage and schedule for taking amoxicillin. Do not change your dosage or schedule without talking to your doctor. Review the additional medication dosage instructions that were included with amoxicillin.
Step 2
Take amoxicillin with or without food.
Step 3
Shake the liquid form of amoxicillin before measuring the proper dose. Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing or swallow an extended-release tablet whole.
Step 4
Finish the entire course of the medication. Continue taking the medication even if your symptoms improve. Alert your doctor if you are not noticing an improvement in symptoms or are experiencing diarrhea. Discuss side effects you may be experiencing, including fever, sore throat, headache, skin rash, bruising, bleeding, agitation, confusion or seizure, according to Drugs.com.
Step 5
Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to be sure that the amoxicillin has fully treated your bacterial infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give amoxicillin to another person.
- Immediately alert your doctor if you have diarrhea. This can be a sign of an infection in your gastrointestinal tract. Do not stop taking this medication early because you may create a super-infection of amoxicillin-resistant bacteria.
