Uses

Amoxicillin works by binding to penicillin binding proteins within bacteria, which suppress the bacteria’s ability to produce cell walls, leading to death of the bacteria(lysis). Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of infections including infections of the sinuses, ear, and skin. It can kill gram positive, and some gram negative bacteria.

How to Use

This medication should be taken by mouth with water, and can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk.

It is important that you take this medication exactly as directed until it runs out. Do not stop taking this medicine because you feel better. Do not skip doses.

If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as possible. If it is already almost time for the upcoming dose, take only that one dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

 Allergic reactions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, asthma, kidney disease.

Contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea that is severe, or lasts more than 2 days.

This medication can effect lab test results for tests of levels of sugar in the urine.

Be sure to contact your doctor if your symptoms are not improving or getting worse.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, seizures, changes in urine color(darker urine), passage or amount of urine, sore throat, chills, fever, bruising or unusual bleeding, fatigue, soars or white patches within the mouth, any red blistering, loosening or peelings skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe diarrhea.

Other Side Effects

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, anal or vaginal irritation, headache, candidiasis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, liver damage.

Adult Dosing

Upper Respiratory Infections

500 mg every 8-12 hours OR 250 mg every 8 hours OR 875 mg of every 12 hours (based on severity).

Skin or Tissue Infections

500 mg every 8-12 hours OR 250 mg every 8 hours OR 875 mg of every 12 hours (based on severity).

Lower Respiratory Infections

875 mg by mouth every 12 hours OR 500 mg by mouth every 8 hours.

Community Acquired Pneumonia

1 gram by mouth three times a day (often taken with a macrolide antibiotic).

Chlamydia

500 mg three times a day for 7 days.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

1 gram by mouth once a day for about 10 days.

Lyme Disease

500 mg by mouth three times a day for about 14 days.

Sources

1. Amoxil ® oral capsules, tablets, powder for oral suspension, amoxicillin oral capsules, tablets, powder for oral suspension[package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: ,Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (per FDA); 2011.

2. Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al: Infectious diseases society of america/american thoracic society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 44(Suppl 2):S27-S72.

3. Wormser GP, Dattwyler RJ, Shapiro ED, et al: The clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention of lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43(9):1089-1134.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Atlanta, GA. 2015. Accessed 2015-07-29.

5. Amoxicillin (capsule, chewable tablet, suspension) [package insert]. Sellersville, PA: Teva Pharmaceuticals; 2012.