Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, middle ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin.

How should you take this medication?

• Amoxicillin can be taken with food or without food. If you are using Amoxil suspension, shake it well before using.
   
• Take this medication every 8 or 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor.
   
• Swallow each regular oral dose (nonchewable tablets and capsules) whole, with a full glass of water.
   
• Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
   
• Take all of the amoxicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better.
   
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the day's doses at evenly spaced intervals. If it is almost time for the next dose, and you take 2 doses a day, take the one you missed and the next dose 5 to 6 hours later.

General Precautions with Amoxicillin

• Before taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.
   
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection.
   
• If you have ever had asthma, hives, hay fever, or other allergies, consult with your doctor before taking Amoxicillin.
   
• If you are diabetic, be aware that Amoxicillin may cause a false positive Clinitest result to occur. You should consult with your doctor about using different tests while taking Amoxil.
   
• Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take amoxicillin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. 

What are the possible side effects of Amoxicillin?

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with amoxicillin.
   
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amoxicillin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting), or unusual bleeding or bruising.
   
• This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.
   
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amoxicillin and talk to your doctor if you experience mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.