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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Amoxicillin

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Amoxicillin

  • Important: amoxicillin is a type of penicillin and it should not be taken by those who are allergic to penicillin.
  • Take amoxicillin regularly and complete the full course of this antibiotic - even if you feel your infection has cleared up.
  • If you develop swelling of the mouth or face, difficulty breathing, or a skin rash, then stop taking amoxicillin and speak to your doctor straight away.

About amoxicillin

Type of medicinePenicillin antibiotic
Used forInfections
Also calledAmoxil®
Available asCapsules, oral suspension, sachets of powder and injection

Amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infections of the chest, urine or ear, and dental abscesses. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. It can also be used to prevent infections from occurring in people who may be at particular risk of an infection.

Amoxicillin is also sometimes used alongside other preparations to get rid of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium believed to cause stomach ulcers.

Important: amoxicillin is a type of penicillin and it should not be used by those who are allergic to penicillin.

Before taking amoxicillin

Before taking amoxicillin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have glandular fever.
  • If you have ever had allergies, or asthma, eczema or hay fever.
  • If you know you are allergic to penicillins, or if you have had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How to take amoxicillin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you have been supplied amoxicillin oral powder sachets, dissolve the contents in half a glass of water before taking.
  • Take amoxicillin at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, it is important to take the full course in order to prevent the infection from coming back.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day but do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you do not notice any improvement after completing your course of amoxicillin, make an appointment to see your doctor.
  • Some people develop thrush (redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill') the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can amoxicillin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often and stick to simple foods. Try taking your dose with food
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If the diarrhoea continues, becomes severe, or contains blood, speak to your doctor straight away
Skin rashLet your doctor know as soon as possible as your treatment may need to be changed

Important: if you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, these may be signs that you are allergic to penicillin. Stop taking amoxicillin and speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store amoxicillin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • If you or your child have been given the suspension, this will have been made up by the pharmacy and lasts 14 days. Make sure you check the expiry and do not use it after this date.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3603DocRef: dils3137Last Reviewed: 18 Jan 2010Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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