Amoxicillin is at the top of the list of the most commonly prescribed pediatric drugs. It is an inexpensive antibiotic that is well tolerated by most children. It is available under the brand name Amoxil, but there are many less expensive generic options.

What is Amoxil?

Amoxil (amoxicillin) is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria. Amoxil is used to treat many different types of infection caused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract. Amoxil is also sometimes used together with another antibiotic called clarithromycin (Biaxin) to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. This combination is sometimes used with a stomach acid reducer called lansoprazole (Prevacid).

How should I take Amoxil?

Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them. Amoxicillin is available as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets. If you or your child are taking amoxicillin as a liquid, it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you don't have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

Take Amoxil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take Amoxil at the same time each day. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). You may mix the liquid with water, milk, baby formula, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Drink all of the mixture right away. Do not save for later use.

You may need frequent medical tests. If you are taking Amoxil with clarithromycin and/or lansoprazole to treat stomach ulcer, use all of your medications as directed. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Amoxil will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using amoxicillin. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. You may store liquid Amoxil in a refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any liquid Amoxil that is not used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy.

Amoxicillin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor straight away if you get:

Some of these serious side effects can happen up to 2 months after finishing the amoxicillin.

Who can and cannot take Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can be taken by adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Amoxicillin can be taken by children.

Amoxicillin isn't suitable for some people. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

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