Amoxicillin

Generic Name: amoxicillin (am OX i sil in)
Brand Names: Amoxil, Moxatag

Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Dec 11, 2018.

What is amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infectioncaused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.

Amoxicillin 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).

There are many brands and forms of amoxicillin available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Important information

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to amoxicillin or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), penicillin (Beepen-VK, Ledercillin VK, Pen-V, Pen-Vee K, Pfizerpen, V-Cillin K, Veetids), and others.

Before using amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others. Also tell your doctor if you have asthma, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis (also called "mono"), or any type of allergy.

Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea. This may happen while you are taking amoxicillin, or within a few months after you stop taking it. This may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking amoxicillin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use amoxicillin if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, or ticarcillin.

To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma;
• liver or kidney disease;
• mononucleosis (also called "mono");
• a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or
• food or drug allergies (especially to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others).

Amoxicillin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Amoxicillin can pass into breast milk, but based on a small number of studies, it has not been shown to cause any harm to a baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The amoxicillin chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using the chewable tablets if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take amoxicillin?

Take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine at the same time each day.

The Moxatag brand of amoxicillin should be taken with food, or within 1 hour after eating a meal.

Some forms of amoxicillin may be taken with or without food. Check your medicine label to see if you should take your medicine with food or not.

You may need to shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. Follow the directions on your medicine label.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. You may place the liquid directly on the tongue, or you may mix it with water, milk, baby formula, fruit juice, or ginger ale. Drink all of the mixture right away. Do not save any for later use.

The chewable tablet should be chewed before you swallow it.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

If using amoxicillin for a long period of time, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.

If you are taking amoxicillin 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. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Amoxicillin 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 cause unusual results with 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 amoxicillin in a refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any liquid medicine that is not used within 14 days after it was mixed at the pharmacy.

See also:

Dosage Information (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash, urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using amoxicillin and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Amoxicillin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• black, swollen or "hairy" tongue;
• fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
• swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
• pale or yellowed skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common amoxicillin side effects may include:

• diarrhea
• rash
• nausea and vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also:

Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect amoxicillin?

Other drugs may interact with amoxicillin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

See also:

Drug Interactions (in more detail)

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Amoxicillin Side Effects

Medically reviewed on Nov 22, 2018

For the Consumer

Applies to amoxicillin: oral capsule, oral powder for suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet extended release

Along with its needed effects, amoxicillin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amoxicillin:

Incidence Not Known

• Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness
• back, leg, or stomach pains
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating
• blood in the urine
• bloody nose
• chest pain
• chills
• clay-colored stools
• cough
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
• difficulty with breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• feeling of discomfort
• fever
• general body swelling
• headache
• heavier menstrual periods
• hives or welts
• increased thirst
• inflammation of the joints
• itching
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• nausea or vomiting
• nosebleeds
• pain
• pain in the lower back
• pain or burning while urinating
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rash
• red, irritated eyes
• redness, soreness, or itching skin
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sores, welting, or blisters
• sudden decrease in the amount of urine
• swollen, lymph glands
• tenderness
• tightness in the chest
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight loss
• vomiting of blood
• watery or bloody diarrhea
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects of amoxicillin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less Common

• Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste

Incidence Not Known

• Agitation
• black, hairy tongue
• changes in behavior
• confusion
• convulsions
• discoloration of the tooth (brown, yellow, or gray staining)
• dizziness
• sleeplessness
• trouble with sleeping
• unable to sleep
• white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
• white patches with diaper rash

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to amoxicillin: oral capsule, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet dispersible, oral tablet extended release

General

The most frequently reported side effects were diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting

Frequency not reported: Hemorrhagic/pseudomembranous colitis, tooth discolored, black hairy tongue, glossitis, stomatitis

Postmarketing reports: Sore mouth/tongue[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Erythema, exanthema, rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, pruritus

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, hypersensitivity vasculitis

Frequency not reported: Erythematous maculopapular rashes, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, bullous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis/Lyell's syndrome, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, maculopapular rash, erythema nodosum, pemphigoidreactions[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal mycotic infection[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, taste perversion

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Convulsion, dizziness, hyperkinesia

Frequency not reported: Reversible hyperactivity, central nervous system toxicity, encephalopathy[Ref]

Immunologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylaxis, serum sickness-like reaction

Frequency not reported: Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction[Ref]

Renal

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Crystalluria, interstitial nephritis

Frequency not reported: Nephropathy[Ref]

Hematologic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leucopenia, severe neutropenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding time prolonged, prothrombin time prolonged

Frequency not reported: Anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, platelet function defective, lymphadenopathy[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Candidiasis, fungal/mycotic infection

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Mucocutaneous candidiasis

Frequency not reported: Intestinal candidiasis, oral moniliasis, vaginal moniliasis, fever, chills[Ref]

Hepatic

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, AST increased, ALT increased

Frequency not reported: Hepatic dysfunction, hepatic cholestasis, acute cytolytic hepatitis[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm, acute severe dyspnea, pneumonitis allergic[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Phlebitis, injection site pain[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Electrolyte disturbance, hypokalemia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Joint pain, arthralgia[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Agitation, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, behavior changed, hallucination[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Moxatag (amoxicillin)." Fera Pharmaceuticals, Locust Valley, NY.

2. "Product Information. Amoxil (amoxicillin)." SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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