Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin.
It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers.
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 to take
Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day). Amoxicillin may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection that you have. Take amoxicillin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time.
Precautions
Before using amoxicillin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin antibiotics, to cephalosporins. Also, tell your doctor if you have asthma, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis(a virus; also called 'mono'), or any type of allergy.
Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, or spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
