Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the ears, nose, throat, lungs, skin or bladder.
This medicine may also be used to prevent the occurrence of endocarditis (infection in the lining of the heart and heart valves) when you undergo dental procedures.
It can also be used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by a type of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori.
Amoxicillin may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Take Amoxicillin with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional, chewable or dispersible tablet, capsule, and powder for oral suspension in a sachet or bottle.
If you are taking the conventional tablet or capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the chewable tablet, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.
If you are taking the dispersible tablet, it may be suspended in water before drinking or it can be directly taken with a glass of water. The tablet may be broken to help ease the swallowing.
If you are taking the powder for oral suspension in a bottle, tap or invert the bottle to loosen the dry powder then add the specified volume of water. Shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose. The suspension may also be mixed with fruit juice, ginger ale, formula milk or cold drinks if necessary.
Amoxicillin also comes as a sachet of powder for suspension. Empty the contents of the sachet into a glass. Add at least 10 mL of water. Stir to disperse the powder evenly in the water, then drink the suspension immediately.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Take Amoxicillin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Amoxicillin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as penicillins (e.g. ampicillin), cephalosporins (e.g. cefaclor), monobactams (e.g. aztreonam) or carbapenems (e.g. meropenem).
Alert your doctor if you have a suspected or confirmed viral infection known as infectious mononucleosis as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- unable to pass urine regularly
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- lymphatic leukaemia (a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells called lymphocytes)
- atopy (an inherited condition associated with a heightened immune response to common allergens which may lead to allergic diseases including asthma)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Amoxicillin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine glucose test, pregnancy test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Amoxicillin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of skin and allergic reactions may also be needed.
Amoxicillin may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea accompanied by stomach pain or fever
- fits or seizures
- frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating, unusual bleeding or bruising
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics e.g. chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline
- medicines for gout (high uric acid level in the blood) e.g. probenecid, allopurinol
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol
- methotrexate (medicine for cancer)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Amoxicillin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
The dispersible tablet must be kept in its original foil wrapper and original container to protect it from moisture. Do not store this medicine in any other container except its original.
The oral suspension may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C or in the refrigerator between 2-8°C after you have mixed the powder with water. Throw away any unused portion after 14 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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