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Amoxicillin 500-mg Oral Capsules (Pills)
Amoxicillin Oral Suspension

Take this medicine as prescribed.

Amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs called penicillin antibiotics. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people with infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Amoxicillin has not been approved by the FDA to use when treating people who have been exposed to anthrax. However, if test results show that the anthrax bacteria can be killed by penicillin antibiotics, the use of amoxicillin is recommended to prevent the development of anthrax disease in people who have been exposed to anthrax, when other antibiotics are not as safe to use such as with children and pregnant women.

How to take amoxicillin

ADULTS: Take one pill three times a day.
CHILDREN: A child’s dose depends on body weight. Give the medicine to your child as directed by the doctor.

Take amoxicillin with a large glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking with food may decrease the chance that upset stomach will occur.

If you miss a dose, start again taking 1 pill three times a day. Do not take 2 pills to make up for the missed dose. Finish all your pills, even if you feel okay, unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, you may become ill.

Side effects

Common side effects of amoxicillin include an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have problems with any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.

Allergic reactions are rare. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling of the tongue, hands or feet, fever, or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.

Precautions

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine.
  • It is very important to tell the doctor the names of ALL medicines that you are currently taking—even pills bought at the store such as vitamins and antacids.
  • Tell your doctor if you have asthma, which is a breathing problem, or any other illnesses.
  • Birth control pills may not work as well when taking this medication. Be sure to use condoms or another form of birth control until you have finished the entire course of treatment.
  • Amoxicillin is safe to take when you are pregnant but be sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant.
  • In women, amoxicillin can cause vaginal itching and discharge commonly known as a yeast infection. Tell your doctor if this happens.
  • Page last updated August 5, 2005
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