Uses
Amoxicillin is used in the treatment of numerous infection types, including, but not restricted to: skin infection, tonsillitis, gonorrhea, ear infection, E. coli and salmonella infection, bladder infection, pneumonia, infection of the urinary tract, and bronchitis.

How to take Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin comes in liquid and pediatric drop, or capsule and chewable tablet form. It is normally taken three times a day, at eight hour intervals. Follow carefully the prescription instructions on the label, or as provided by a doctor. The liquid form and pediatric drops should be shaken well before being taken. Tablets should be either crushed or chewed prior to swallowing. Capsules are swallowed whole with water.

Side effects
Allergic side effects include a difficulty in breathing, a swelling of the throat, face, tongue, and lips, and hives. Serious side effects include watery or bloody diarrhea; fever, a sore throat, and headaches accompanied by blisters, peeling, and rashes on the skin; flu symptoms; convulsions; infrequent or inability to urinate; easy bruising and bleeding; or agitation, unusual behavior, and confusion. Less serious effects include headaches; stomach pain, nausea and vomiting; and itching or discharge in the vagina.

Drug precautions
People who have prior allergic reactions to penicillin or with cephalosporin should take Amoxicillin after consulting with a doctor. The same applies for those with disease of the intestines, stomach, or kidney, and conceiving or breastfeeding women. Amoxicillin is passed through breast milk, and may cause an allergic reaction, a yeast infection, or diarrhea to a nursing infant.

Drug interactions
The following medications may interact with Amoxicillin: methotrexate and probenecid; antibiotics such as azithromycin, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, and erythromycin; and tetracycline antibiotics, including demeclocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.

Overdose
Common symptoms of an overdose of Amoxicillin include infrequent urination, confusion, changes in behavior, severe skin rashes, and convulsive or black-out seizures.

Missed dose
In such cases, the missed dose should be taken immediately, and the succeeding ones adjusted accordingly at even intervals. However, if the next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and follow the schedule as directed. Avoid taking double doses of the drug unless it is prescribed by a physician.

Storage
Avoid storing the tablets or capsules in warm or damp places, or those with direct light. The liquid form should be stored in a refrigerator, in temperatures which are above freezing.