What It Is Used For
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It treats bacterial infections of the chest, ears, throat, sinuses, urinary tract, teeth and skin, and with other medicines it is used to clear H. pylori stomach infection. It does not work for colds or flu.
How to Take It
Adults: commonly 500 mg three times a day, or a higher dose twice a day, for the number of days on your prescription. Children: dose by weight as suspension or drops. It can be taken with or without food. Space the doses evenly through the day. Finish the full course even if you feel better. Only take antibiotics prescribed for you; misuse makes bacteria resistant.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to penicillin or have had a serious reaction to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic.
Side Effects
Common: diarrhoea, nausea and skin rash. Get urgent help for swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread blistering rash. Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, even weeks later, needs a doctor.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or glandular fever (a rash is more likely).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It is commonly used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when a doctor prescribes it.
Interactions
It can raise methotrexate levels and change the effect of warfarin. Allopurinol makes a rash more likely.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children. Once mixed, keep suspensions as the label says and throw away what is left after the course.