Amoxycillin

Amoxycillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections.

Amoxycillin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.

To treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, Amoxycillin is sometimes combined with another antibiotic called clarithromycin (Biaxin). This combination is sometimes used in conjunction with lansoprazole (Prevacid), a stomach acid reducer. Amoxycillin comes in a variety of brands and forms, and not all of them are listed in this leaflet.

Important Details

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others before taking Amoxycillin. Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: asthma, liver or kidney disease, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis (also known as "mono"), or allergies.

Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. While taking this medication, consult your doctor about using a non-hormonal method of birth control (such as condoms, diaphragms, or spermicide) to prevent pregnancy. Take this medication for the duration specified. Before the infection is completely cleared, your symptoms may improve. Amoxycillin does not treat viral infections like the common cold or flu. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

Antibiotics have the potential to cause diarrhea. This can happen while you're taking amoxicillin or months after you stop. This could be the beginning of a new infection. If you experience watery or bloody diarrhea, discontinue use of this medication and contact your doctor. Use anti-diarrhea medication only if directed by your doctor.