Amoxil
® (
amoxicillin) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. Although it is often used by itself, Amoxil can also be combined with other antibiotics to treat certain infections.
Brand-name Amoxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic Amoxil is made by several different manufacturers.
Amoxil belongs to a group of medications known as aminopenicillins, which is part of a larger group of medications known as beta-lactam antibiotics (named after the ring-like "lactam" structure of these antibiotics). It works by stopping bacteria from making cell walls, which eventually causes the bacteria to die.
When and How to Take Amoxil
Some general considerations include the following:
- Amoxil comes as capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, pediatric drops, and oral suspension (liquid). For most conditions, it is usually taken by mouth two or three times a day (except for gonorrhea, which is treated with a single, one-time dose).
- You can take Amoxil with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Be sure to shake the oral suspension or pediatric drops well before each dose. The suspension and drops taste better if stored in the refrigerator.
- A dose of the oral suspension or pediatric drops can be added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks if necessary. The mixture should then be taken immediately and completely.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Amoxil will not work if you stop taking it too soon.
