Amoxicillin (By mouth)
Amoxicillin (a-mox-i-SIL-in)
Treats infections, sore throat, or stomach ulcers. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.
Brand Name(s):
Moxatag, Prevpac
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, any type of penicillin, or a cephalosporin antibiotic.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.
- Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
- 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.
- Capsule, tablet, extended-release tablet, tablets for suspension: Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Throw away any unused oral liquid 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 allopurinol, probenecid, birth control pills, medicine to treat infections (including chloramphenicol, macrolides, or sulfonamides, and tetracyclines), or a blood thinner (including warfarin).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or mononucleosis (mono).
- This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
- Stomach or bowel problems, including drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES)
- Birth control pills may not work as well while you are taking this medicine. Use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
- 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.
- The chewable tablet contains phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before you use this medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
- 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
- Bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Itching of the vagina or genitals, thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Headache
- 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: 9/6/2024
