Amoxil [Amoxicillin] is the drug of choice prescribed by physicians for bacterial infections in children and adults. An antibiotic which cures ailments present in the throat, lungs, skin, genito-urinary tracts, and ear infections [very common in children], it is also used to treat patients affected by the H.pylori bacteria [with other drugs], but does not work in viral infections. Generic Amoxil is available in tablet and capsule formulations, as well as in a powder form and pediatric drops.

Generic Amoxil consists of Amoxicillin, which is a semi-synthetic antibiotic, belonging to the Penicillin family of antibiotics, is equipped with a wide-ranging capacity to treat bacterial infections that occur in the throat and lungs [caused by Streptococcus, S.pneumoniae, Staphylococcus, H.influenzae bacteria], skin [caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus or E.coli bacteria], and genito-urinary tracts [caused by E.coli, P.mirabilis, or E.faecalis bacteria]. Ear infections occur commonly in small children, sometimes affecting adults as well, and these are very successfully treated with Amoxil. The drug is also used – along with other drugs – to treat patients affected by the H.pylori bacteria that requires timely treatment, otherwise it can lead to the formation of peptic ulcers.

Amoxicillin, as other antibiotics, does not kill bacteria directly, but it thwarts them from building cell walls around themselves, without which they cannot grow or multiply, and slowly die. It is a fast-acting medicine and gets quickly absorbed in the body. Generic Amoxil is given as a treatment for disorders like sinusitis, strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin or urinary tract infections, as well as for a sexually transmitted disease – uncomplicated gonorrhoea. Except in gonorrhea, the medicine may be continued for 2-3 days beyond the time the patient becomes asymptomatic.

Before your physician puts you on to Amoxil therapy, give your complete medical history, also informing the doctor if you are allergic to Amoxicillin or Pencillin in any form, or Cephalosporins such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Duricef, or Keflex. Let the treating doctor know if you have asthma, any liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or clotting disorder, mononucleosis, hay fever, urticaria, any allergy, any viral infection, or if antibiotics bring about diarrhea for you. Those who suffer from phenylketonuria, must also inform the doctor about their condition, before embarking on this antibiotic regimen.

A disadvantage for women is that Amoxil counters the action of certain Birth Control pills, so such women must inform their physician, as Amoxil can negate the effect of the Birth Control pills and lead to an unwanted pregnancy. This medication can also bring about false results with certain diabetic [urine] tests, as well as affecting the results of other lab tests. Inform the lab personnel that you are taking Amoxil, but keep all lab appointments if your physician wants to monitor your blood levels, and liver or kidney functions.

Let your physician know about all the prescription and OTC drugs you are taking, including all nutritional supplements and herbal products. It is essential to inform the doctor if you are taking Allopurinol, Methotrexate, Tetracycline, or any live bacterial vaccine, as these can interact with Amoxil. Probenecid is another medicine that interacts with Amoxil, by slowing down its expulsion from the body, which can have the undesirable effect of leaving higher levels of Amoxicillin in your bloodstream.

Amoxil can be taken regardless of food, but good amount of water or fluid intake will be helpful. The extended-release tablet should not be crushed or chewed, but swallowed whole; only the chewable tablet can be chewed. Shake the suspension well before giving it to children; it can be placed on their tongues; or it can be added to water, ginger ale, milk, or juices and given to them; it has to be swallowed immediately to the last drop. The suspension/mixture should not be stored for further use. Amoxil dosage differs from patient to patient; a low dose is given to pediatric patients who are less than 3 months of age, while other children and adults get a higher dose. Pregnant and lactating women must consult the physician before taking Amoxicillin.

In all likelihood, Amoxil will give quick relief but the complete therapy must be taken. The medicine is usually given once every 8-12 hours, but should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician. It is necessary to maintain a certain amount of the medicine in the blood at all times, so stick to a regular dosing pattern. Try to take a missed dose as soon as possible, but if time is nearing for the next dose, then skip the skipped dose and go on to the next one. Generally, skipping doses, or not completing the full course of treatment can decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic; it can also make the bacteria more resilient so that another course of Amoxil or any other antibacterial drug will have no effect on them in future.

Amoxil is not known to cause serious side effects; but certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, crystalluria, body-ache or joint pains may occur. If these symptoms persist or become worse, or if you experience any rare or unlikely serious side effects such as passing dark urine, abdominal or stomach pain, jaundice, easy bleeding or bruising, mucus or blood in stools, an oral or vaginal infection, rash, or swelling, you must inform the doctor at once. Some people could have a rare hypersensitive reaction, or a severe intestinal infection due to resisting bacteria.

To store Amoxil, go strictly by the information given by the label; it has to be usually stored at a room temperature between 20oC-25oC. The medicine must be protected from light and heat. It can be kept in the refrigerator, though freezing is not required. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. Any suspension that is unused in 2 weeks from the time of preparation should be disposed of.