Amoxicillin

About amoxicillin

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.
• Combined oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with amoxicillin. If you are taking the 'pill' you should use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking amoxicillin and for at least seven days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill-free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or 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.

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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Amoxil® Paediatric Suspension, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2008, accessed December 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Amoxil® Capsules 250/500 mg, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2007, accessed December 2009.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Amoxil® Sachets, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2007, accessed December 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).