1. Amoxicillin: The Antibiotic You Need to Know
Amoxicillin amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic it is used to treat bacterial infections such as chest infections including pneumonia and dental abscesses it can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers it’s often prescribed for children to treat ear infections and chest infections amoxicillin is only available
On prescription it comes as capsules or as a liquid that you swallow it’s also given by injection but this is usually only done in hospital how does amoxicillin work amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic it works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection two key facts for most infections you’ll start to feel better in a few days the most common side
Effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick nausea and diarrhea liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth this does not last and is removed by brushing you can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin sometimes taking amoxicillin can cause thrush 3. who can and cannot take amoxicillin amoxicillin can be taken by most adults and children amoxicillin is not suitable for
Everyone to make sure amoxicillin is safe for you tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin or any other medicine have liver or kidney problems have recently had or are due to have any vaccinations 4. how and when to take amoxicillin dosage the usual dose of amoxicillin capsules is 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams
Taken three times a day the dose may be lower for children amoxicillin liquid is available in 125 milligrams and 250 milligrams doses important carry on taking this medicine until you’ve completed the course even if you feel better if you stop your treatment early the infection could come back how to take it try to space the doses evenly throughout the day if
You take it three times a day this could be first thing in the morning mid-afternoon and at bedtime you can take amoxicillin before or after food swallow amoxicillin capsules hole with a drink of water do not chew or break them amoxicillin is available as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow capsules if you or your child are taking
Liquid amoxicillin it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist the medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose if you do not have one ask your pharmacist for one do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount if you forget to take it if you forget to take a dose take it as soon as
You remember unless it’s nearly time for your next dose in this case just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time never take two doses at the same time never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one if you forget doses often it may help to set an alarm to remind you you could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways
To remember your medicines if you take too much taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to harm you or your child but speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried side effects like all medicines amoxicillin can cause side effects although not everyone gets them common side effects these common side effects happen in around 1 in 10 people keep
Taking the medicine but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away feeling sick nausea diarrhea serious side effects serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1 000 people call a doctor or contact 111 straight away if you get diarrhea possibly with stomach cramps that contains blood or mucus or severe
Diarrhea that lasts for more than four days pale poo and dark pea and the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems bruising or changes in your skin color joint or muscle pain that comes on after two days of taking the medicine a skin rash with circular
Red patches this may be less obvious on brown or black skin some of these serious side effects can happen up to two months after finishing the amoxicillin serious allergic reaction around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin in most cases the allergic reaction is mild and can take the form of a skin rash mild skin rashes can usually be treated
By taking antihistamines in rare cases amoxicillin can cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis immediate action required call 999 or go to a and e now if you get a skin rash that may include itchy red swollen blistered or peeling skin you’re wasting you get tightness in the chest or throat you have trouble breathing or talking your mouth face lips tongue
Or throat start swelling you could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital
Transcribed from video
Amoxicillin: The Drug You Should Always Keep on Hand By Dr kelly medical research scientistliveBroadcastDetails{isLiveNowfalsestartTimestamp2022-06-22T080011+0000endTimestamp2022-06-22T080737+0000}
