Amoxicillin Suspension

What is this medication?

AMOXICILLIN (a mox i SIL in) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called penicillin antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amoxil, Dispermox, Moxilin, Sumox, Trimox

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to amoxicillin, other penicillins, cephalosporin antibiotics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Take all of your medication as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medication early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Allopurinol
  • Birth control pills
  • Certain antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline
  • Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your health care professional if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your health care professional.

Birth control may not work properly while you are taking this medication. Talk to your health care professional about using an extra method of birth control.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • Severe diarrhea, fever
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this medication in a refrigerator if possible. If not, it can be stored at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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