What is the most important information I should know about Amoxicillin?

• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps during treatment with Amoxicillin.
• Take all of the Amoxicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

What is Amoxicillin?

• Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. It fights bacteria in the body.
• Amoxicillin is used to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin.
• Amoxicillin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Amoxicillin?

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Amoxicillin without first talking to your doctor.
• Before taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you have
  • kidney disease, or
  • stomach or intestinal disease.
• You may not be able to take Amoxicillin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.
• Each 200 mg Amoxil chewable tablet contains 1.82 mg phenylalanine and each 400 mg Amoxil chewable tablet contains 3.64 mg phenylalanine. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• Amoxicillin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not, however, take Amoxicillin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Amoxicillin passes into breast milk. Although serious problems have not been reported, rarely, Amoxicillin may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or an allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby

How should I take Amoxicillin?

• Take Amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Amoxicillin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep the level in the blood high enough to treat the infection. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Amoxicillin can be taken with food or without food.
• Swallow each regular oral dose (nonchewable tablets and capsules) whole, with a full glass of water.
• Chew the chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
• The dispersible tablets (e.g., Dispermox) should be dissolved in water before administration. One tablet should be added to a container holding approximately 2 teaspoons of water (10 mL). Stir or swirl the mixture until the tablet is completely dissolved. Drink the entire mixture immediately, do not save for later use. Rinse the container with another small amount of water and drink the contents to ensure you get the full dose of medicine. Do not chew or swallow the tablets. The tablets will not dissolve in the mouth. Do not dissolve the tablets in any liquid other than water.
• Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Amoxicillin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
• Take all of the Amoxicillin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Y