Review Drug

Brand names Almodan, Amix, Amoram, Amoxil, Amrit, Galenamox, Rimoxallin.

Used in the following combined preparations Augmentin, Co-amoxiclav

General Information

Amoxycillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is prescribed to treat a variety of
infections, but is particularly useful for treating ear, nose, and throat
infections, respiratory tract infections, cystitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea, and
certain skin and soft tissue infections. Taken by mouth, the drug is absorbed
well by the body, and works quickly and effectively.

Information For Users

The most common side effect of this drug is a skin rash, which does not
necessarily mean that the patient is allergic to penicillin. It can also provoke
a more severe allergic reaction with fever, swelling of the mouth and tongue,
itching, and breathing difficulties. This usually means that the patient is
allergic to all penicillin antibiotics.

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without
checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, capsules,  injection, sachets.

Amoxycillin liquid

Frequency and timing of doses

Normally 3 x daily.

Dosage range

Adults 750mg-1,5g daily. In some cases a short course of up to 6g daily is given.

Children Reduced dose according to age and weight.

Onset of effect

1-2 hours.

Duration of action

Up to 8 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the scheduled time.

Stopping the drug

Take the full course. Even if you feel better, the original infection may still
be present and symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken,
notify your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects

If you develop a rash, wheezing, itching. allergy. Call your doctor, who may
prescribe

fever, or joint swelling, this may indicate an a different antibiotic.

Interactions

Oral contraceptives Amoxycillin may reduce the effectiveness of the oral
contraceptive pill and also increase the risk of break-through bleeding. Discuss
with your doctor.

Quick Reference

Drug group Penicillin antibiotic

Overdose danger rating Low

Dependence rating Low

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic Yes

Special Precautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You have a long-term kidney problem.

You have an allergy (for example, asthma hay fever, or eczema).

You have had an allergic reaction after being given a penicillin or
cephalosporin antibiotic.

You have ulcerative colitis.

You have glandular fever.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

No evidence of risk.

Breast-feeding

The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the
baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Reduced dose necessary.

Over 60

No known problems.

Driving and hazardous work

No known problems.

Alcohol

No known problems.

Prolonged Use

Amoxycillin is usually given only for short courses of treatment.