Amoxil – What You Should Know
Amoxil is an anti-biotic drug used to treat a wide range of infections. Amoxil is often referred to as Amoxicillin, the primary drug from which Amoxil is derived. Due to the large number of common infections Amoxil is good against, it is a widely prescribed drug. As with any drug, even something as common as Amoxil, it is a good idea to make yourself aware of any possible side effects that may occur as a result of taking the drug, and check to make sure that Amoxil is safe to take with any other medications that you may currently be using.
Usage
Amoxil can be prescribed in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, and chewables. For small children and anyone who has a problem swallowing, Amoxil can also be prescribed in a powder form, which when added to water and shaken thoroughly creates what is known as a “suspension”, which is much easier to swallow. The suspension and chewable forms are often flavored to make them more enjoyable for children.
As with any anti-biotic, Amoxil should be taken only in the amount as prescribed by your doctor, and as often per day as prescribed (usually 2 or 3 times). If you forgot to take a dose, do not “double up” your next dosage. It is recommended that you take your normal dose, then wait 2 to 4 hours before taking the replacement dose, and then resume your normal schedule. If you miss more than one dosage, consult with your physician or pharmacist. Disrupting the dosage cycle too much in either direction (too much or too little) can reduce or eliminate the benefit of taking the drug, or cause other more serious health risks.
Any unused Amoxil that you have left once you stop your treatment should be discarded. Never keep Amoxil or any other anti-biotics laying around to take when you “think” you might be sick. Infections that are not fully treated WILL return and may be much more difficult to treat.
Safety Concerns
Amoxil is closely related to Penicillin. If you are allergic to Penicillin, make sure that your doctor is aware of this fact. Even if you are not aware of any allergies to Penicillin or other medicines, if you notice anything unusual at all about how you feel after beginning to take Amoxil, consult with your physician or pharmacist immediately.
There are a number of possible side effects that may result from taking Amoxil. Possible side effects include but are not limited to anemia, convulsions, diarrhea, confusion, insomnia, and nausea. If you believe you are experiencing side effects as a result of taking Amoxil, consult with your physician or pharmacist at once. He or she may change your dosing schedule, dosage amount, or may prescribe an entirely different drug. Never ignore unusual symptoms or behavior when taking Amoxil or any other drug.
Nursing mothers should consult with their physicians before taking Amoxil, as it has been shown to be present in mother’s milk. Infants who are exposed to Amoxil through nursing may develop a sensitivity to the drug.
Conclusion
Amoxil is a very common drug, and is widely used and recognized as safe. However every person is unique, so just because someone you know was able to take it without any problem does not mean that you will also be able to take it safely. Always familiarize yourself with any drugs that are prescribed to you, and make sure that you consult with your pharmacist when you pick up the drug. He or she may have additional literature that they can give you about Amoxil and what other drugs may be safely taken with Amoxil, and which ones may be of some concern.
