Why it is prescribed: Amoxicillin, a penicillin-like antibiotoc, eliminates bacteria that cause infections, including pneumonia; bronchitis; infection of the ear, urinary tract, and skin; and venereal disease.

When it is to be taken: Follow the instruction on your prescription label carefully. Doses should be taken as far apart as possible throughout the day.
For example, if you doctor instructs you to take amoxicillin three times a day, take a dose every eight hours. However, if it is not possible to take the drug around the clock, take it at evenly spaced intervals between the time you wake up in the morning and the time you go to bed at night.

How it should be taken: 1. Amoxicillin comes in the form of capsules, chewable tablets, liquid and pediatric drops.
Your doctor will chose the best form that suits you.
2. Your prescription label tells you the exact amount to be taken at each dose.
3. Amoxicillin may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
4. The liquid and pediatric drops should be shaken well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
5. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops.
You may obtain s specially marked measuring spoon from your pharmacist to be sure of an accurate dose of the liquid.
6. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child's tongue or added to milk, fruit juice or water and taken immediately.
7. The tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
8. The capsules should be taken with a full glass of water.

Special Instruction: 1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

Side Effects: 1. Nausea and vomiting are common. Take this medication with food.
2. If diarrhea and rashes are seen. Contact your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last for more than two days.
3. Shortness of breath, wheezing and itching symptoms are serious. Call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. You may need emergency treatment.

Other Precautions: 1. Women who are breast-feeding should inform their doctors because amoxicillin passes from a mother to her baby in the milk.
2. If you are allergic to penicillins or have asthma, hay fever, allergies or kidney disease, tell your doctor before you take this medication.
3. Consult your doctor before using any other medication while taking amoxicillin.
4. If you have used all of the medication prescribed but still have symptoms of the infection, contact your doctor.
5. If your doctor tells you to stop taking amoxicillin, throw away any unused medication. Amoxicillin may lose its effectiveness and should not be saved to treat another infection.

Storage Conditions: 1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store the liquid drops in the refrigerator but not in the freezer. The container will have an expiry date on it. Do not take the medication after the expiry date. Throw it away and if you need more amoxicillin, get a new supply.