Amoxicillin

What is this medication for?

Amoxicillin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Some bacteria have become less sensitive to normal doses of antibiotics, as they develop defenses against these antibiotics. This is known as antibiotic resistance. High-dose Amoxicillin may be prescribed to overcome the antibiotic resistance that has developed to the common bacteria that may cause infections such as the following:

• Chest (pneumonia),
• Ear (otitis media), and/or
• Sinuses (sinusitis)

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Take this medication with or after food to reduce stomach discomfort.
• Take this medication at regular intervals to improve antibiotic efficacy.
• You should complete each course of antibiotics even if you feel better as incomplete treatment might cause the infection to return or cause antibiotic resistance. When antibiotic resistance happens, the antibiotic will not be able to control the growth or kill the bacteria anymore.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You had a previous allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, Cloxacillin, Penicillins, Cephalexin, Cefuroxime or similar antibiotics.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have kidney problems.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Some common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting and upset stomach
  • Take the medication with or after food
• Diarrhoea
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

If any of the side effects do not go away or are serious, please see your doctor.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

• Vaginal itch or discharge
  • This may indicate a yeast infection which may need treatment.
• Persistent diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramps, blood/mucus in your stool
  • This could suggest a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis). This condition may occur during the course of this medication or weeks after this medication has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhoea products or narcotic pain medications (such as Tramadol or Codeine) if you have the symptoms because these products may make them worse.
• Sores in the mouth, red painful eyes or blisters on the skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• Take this medication 2 hours apart from probiotics as the antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of probiotics.

How should I store this medication?

• For tablets/capsules: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
• For syrups/suspensions:  Follow the storage and expiry date as stated on the bottle or as advised by your healthcare professionals.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack the medication into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from.