$Unique_ID{BRK01825}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{AMOXICILLIN}
$Subject{amoxicillin (various manufacturers)
Amoxil (Beecham)
Larotid (Beecham)
Polymox (Bristol)
Trimox (Squibb)
Utimox (Parke-Davis)
Wymox (Wyeth)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Amoxil 250*0182501.scf
Amoxil 500*0182502.scf
Trimox*0182503.scf
Wymox 250*0182504.scf
Wymox 500*0182505.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AMOXICILLIN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     amoxicillin (various manufacturers)
     Amoxil (Beecham)
     Larotid (Beecham)
     Polymox (Bristol)
     Trimox (Squibb)
     Utimox (Parke-Davis)
     Wymox (Wyeth)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     amoxicillin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (250 mg and 500 mg)
     Chewable tablets (125 mg and 250 mg)
     Oral suspension (125 mg and 250 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
     Oral suspension drops (50 mg per ml)
STORAGE:
     Amoxicillin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in
       tightly closed containers.  The oral suspension should be stored in the
       refrigerator in a tightly closed container.  Any unused portion of the
       suspension should be discarded after 14 days because the drug loses its
       potency after that time.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Amoxicillin antibiotic is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial
infections, including infections in the middle ear, in the upper and lower
respiratory tracts, and in the urinary tract.  Amoxicillin acts by severely
injuring the cell walls of the infecting bacteria, thereby preventing them
from growing and multiplying.
     Amoxicillin kills susceptible bacteria but is not effective against
viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Amoxicillin can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(in order to prevent stomach upset).
     The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before
measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle,
so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly
and equalize the doses.  Each dose should then be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon or the 1-ml dropper provided, as
directed by your doctor or pharmacist.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough for measuring your dosage of this medication.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to 14 days), even if the symptoms of
infection disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the
drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given the chance to continue growing,
and the infection could recur.
     Amoxicillin works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is
kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced
intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take three doses a day,
the doses should be spaced eight hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you don't remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time
for your next dose, take it; space the next dose about halfway through the
regular interval between doses; then return to your regular schedule.  Do not
skip any doses.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

Diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloating, chills, cough, darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, fever,
irritation of the mouth, muscle aches, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, severe
or bloody diarrhea, or sore throat.  Also, if your symptoms of infection seem
to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Amoxicillin interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentration of this medication.
     2. Amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
a different or additional form of birth control while taking this medication.
Discuss this with your doctor.
     3. The concurrent use of amoxicillin and allopurinol can increase the
risk of developing a rash.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to amoxicillin, ampicillin, or penicillin or to
cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillamine, or griseofulvin.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease, asthma, or allergies.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Diabetics taking amoxicillin should know that this drug may cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem while taking amoxicillin, you should switch to Clinistix or
Tes-Tape to test your urine for sugar.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although amoxicillin
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may temporarily alter the
bacterial balance in the intestinal tract of the nursing infant, resulting in
diarrhea.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
