Guide To Amoxicillin

Tips For Taking It

Amoxicillin should be taken at the same time each day, and it can be taken with or without food. If the liquid suspension of this medicine is used, the patient should shake it before measuring out the dose. The liquid should be measured with the dosing device included with the medication; a kitchen spoon should never be used. The liquid can be mixed with water, milk, juice, ginger ale, or baby formula if necessary, and this mixture should be consumed immediately after it is prepared. Patients who take the amoxicillin tablet should swallow it whole; it should not be crushed, chewed, or split. As with all antibiotics, it is important to finish the entire course that has been prescribed to reduce the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection. Amoxicillin should be stored at room temperature, and it needs to be kept away from light, moisture, and heat. Patients who are using the liquid version can safely store it in the refrigerator, but it should not be frozen. If some of the liquid amoxicillin remains unused after fourteen days, it should be thrown away. Amoxicillin use could change the results of certain blood tests, and patients should inform all of their healthcare providers they are using this antibiotic.

Learn about potential allergic reactions to amoxicillin next.

Amoxicillin And Allergic Reactions

Some amoxicillin users may develop an allergic reaction to the medication. The symptoms of an allergic reaction range from mild to potentially life-threatening, and anyone who displays potential signs of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin should be evaluated by a physician. A mild allergic reaction could produce skin rashes, hives, itching, nasal congestion, and a scratchy throat. Patients having a serious, severe allergic reaction may develop heart palpitations, wheezing, stomach cramps, diarrhea, chest pain, and vomiting. The face, tongue, lips, and eyes could swell considerably. Patients with symptoms of a severe reaction should be taken to an emergency room by ambulance. Severe reactions may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that could quickly become life-threatening. Individuals who have symptoms of a mild allergic reaction should still see their doctor for an examination as soon as possible. The doctor will record the patient's allergic reaction in their medical chart, and the patient will need to list amoxicillin when asked about medication allergies. If exposed to amoxicillin again, patients who initially had a mild allergic reaction could have a severe or life-threatening one.