What is Amoxicillin and Why is it Prescribed?
Amoxicillin is prescribed to patients to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such
as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to lungs); and infections
of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin.
How does it work?
Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by
stopping the growth of bacteria.
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections.
Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection
later that resists antibiotic treatment.
How should this medication be taken?
Amoxicillin can be prescribed as a capsule, tablet, a chewable tablet, and as a
suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or
every eight hours (three times a day) with or without food. How long you must take this
medicine will solely depend on the type of infection that you have. Take amoxicillin at
approximately the same times every day. It is imperative that you follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification on
anything you may not understand. Take this medication precisely as directed, do not
take more or less than your prescribed dosage.
Liquid Form
Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. This is
usually the form that is prescribed to young children. The suspension may be placed on
the child’s tongue or added to formula, milk, water, ginger ale, or another cold liquid and
taken immediately.
Chewable Tablets and Capsules
The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are
swallowed.
Swallow the tablets and capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not chew or crush
them.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with amoxicillin. If
your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Take amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better, this cannot be
stressed enough. If you stop taking amoxicillin too soon or skip doses, your infection
may not be completely treated, and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Did you know?
Amoxicillin is also sometimes used to prevent anthrax infection after exposure, and to
treat anthrax infection of the skin. Amoxicillin is also sometimes used to treat Lyme disease. Consult your doctor for
additional information.