Amoxicillin is a medication commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. If you are taking this
medication you will need to know... • How to take your medication
• How long until you should start feeling better? • What are the common side effects?
Today, we will be answering the most frequent questions about your medication.
My name is Dr Hart-Pinto. At JHP medical we make weekly information videos. If you
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What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
Amoxicillin prescriptions are issued to treat chest infections, dental abscesses,
sinusitis, ear infections and urinary infections.
Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria, ultimately killing them.
Antibiotics work alongside your immune system to help clear your infection.
Unfortunately, like all antibiotics, some bacteria demonstrate resistance
to amoxicillin treatment. Amoxicillin will not treat all bacterial infections.
Only take this medication when instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Additionally, antibiotics will now work on viral infections, for example, the common cold.
Amoxicillin is prescribed for adults and children. It is available as tablets,
liquids, and injections, but only in the hospital.
Is there anyone who should not take Amoxicillin?
It is best to speak with your doctor before taking this medication if
you have any of the following conditions: • You have had a previous allergic reaction
to antibiotics, particularly those penicillin-based.
• Have kidney or liver disease, meaning you may require a lower dose.
Is Amoxicillin safe in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Amoxicillin is generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy.
In breastfeeding a small amount of Amoxicillin is present in your breast milk,
but this is considered safe and unlikely to cause any issues for your baby.
Is it safe to take Amoxicillin with my current medications?
Amoxicillin can interact with several medications,
and your prescribing doctor will need to be aware if you are taking any of the following:
• Allopurinol o In combination, this may increase
your risk of developing skin rashes. • Methotrexate
o Amoxicillin may interact with your methotrexate. In some circumstances,
your doctor, on the advice of rheumatology, may ask you to hold your methotrexate treatment during
your current infection. • Warfarin
o Amoxicillin can affect the anticoagulant effect of warfarin,
meaning you may need closer monitoring and dose adjustments whilst taking this antibiotic.
This list is not exhaustive, for more information
see the drug information leaflet that comes with your medications.
What is the correct dose of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin comes in a wide variety of strengths and preparations. Typical adult doses are
250-500mg taken 3 times per day. Smaller doses are of course available for children.
How long will I need to take my medication?
This will vary depending on the infection your doctor wishes to
treat. However typical course lengths are between 5-7 days.
How long does it take for Amoxicillin to work?
Amoxicillin gets to work treating your infection soon after you start your medication. However, it
may take 2-3 days before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. It is important that if you
are feeling better that you complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Should you not experience any improvement in your symptoms within 3 days,
it’s a good idea to re-consult with your doctor. If at any time your symptoms worsen,
please seek urgent medical reassessment.
How to take Metformin
It’s advisable to take your Amoxicillin at regular intervals 3 times per day.
Ideally, this medication should be taken every 8 hours.
Taking it at evenly spaced intervals will ensure the maximum benefit,
as it will help maintain a good amount of antibiotics in your body throughout the day.
Amoxicillin may be taken with or without food,
but ensure you take this medication with a large glass of water.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
There is no restriction on foods you can eat whilst on amoxicillin. Some individuals may feel
nauseous whilst taking amoxicillin, if this is the case it's best to avoid spicy foods.
Taking your medication after meals can also help.
Can I Drink Alcohol with this medication?
It is safe to take Alcohol with Amoxicillin.
However, alcohol in excessive amounts is not good for your health, so please drink responsibly.
I have missed my dose. What should I do?
If you forget to take your Amoxicillin, don’t worry, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose skip
the missed dose. Remember to take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
I have accidentally taken too much medication.
Taking one extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to cause you any serious harm. However, in larger
amounts, you may experience symptoms of: 1. Stomach pain,
vomiting and or persistent diarrhoea 2. loss of consciousness or seizures.
3. Have trouble going for a wee or notice blood in your wee.
If you have overdosed on amoxicillin, it's best to consult with a doctor.
If you have any serious symptoms, please contact your local emergency services.
Are there any side effects?
Many people taking amoxicillin will not experience any side effects. However,
as with all medications side effects can occur. Most commonly patients complain of:
• Nausea, vomiting and • Diarrhoea
If you are taking amoxicillin for prolonged or repeated courses some individuals may experience
yeast infections. These are most common in the mouth, presenting as white patches, or in the
vagina of women, who may experience a change in their vaginal discharge. If you are experiencing
signs of a yeast infection, re-consult with your doctor as you may require an antifungal treatment.
Less commonly people can experience more concerning side effects, if you experience any of
these please consult with your doctor urgently: • A change in the colour of your skin,
yellowing of your eyes, lightening of your poo, or darkening of your wee. This may be
a sign that the medication is having a detrimental effect on your liver.
• Persistent nausea and vomiting • Diarrhoea, with the presence of blood or mucous.
• Abdominal pain • Development of bruising
Allergic reactions are concerning as they may be life-threatening.
Fortunately, life-threatening allergic reactions are rare, and many with allergies to amoxicillin
experience only mild symptoms such as a skin rash. Occasionally, this skin rash may be
an early sign of a more severe allergic reaction. If you notice this take some
antihistamines and seek urgent medical advice. Those with serious allergic reactions should call
emergency services for assistance. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, and throat • Difficulty breathing, wheeze or chest tightness
• Allergic skin rash Of course, this list is not exhaustive. For a full
list of side effects refer to the drug information leaflet that comes with your medications.
I hope this video has supplied the answers you were looking for.
Of course, this video does not provide individual medical advice
and is intended for informational purposes only.
Do not consider this as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Please do not ignore professional
medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have heard here.
If you believe you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or ambulance service.