Amoxil: Is This Antibiotic for You?

Amoxil is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat a variety of conditions such as ear infections, skin infections, upper and lower respiratory infections, genital and urinary tract infections, gonorrhea and ulcers caused by the H. Pylor bacteria.

Amoxil is safe to use for pediatric situations. Children of all ages can be given Amoxil in an oral suspension. Generally in children, Amoxil is used to treat Strep-throat, ear infections, and respiratory infections.

If you are pregnant or nursing you should inform your doctor and he will decide if Amoxil is right for you. Amoxil is transfered in breast milk so it can be passed on to your baby. Let your doctor know and he can advise you as to whether you should discontinue breast feeding while on this antibiotic.

If you have had allergic reactions to penicillin or cephalosporin you should tell your doctor. You could have a serious reaction to Amoxil. If you have ever had asthma, hives, or hay-fever you should consult your doctor before taking Amoxil.

Side affects of Amoxil can include; Agitation, anemia, anxiety, changes in behavior, colitis, confusion, convulsions, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, hyperactivity, insomnia, liver problems and jaundice, nausea, peeling skin, rash, tooth discoloration in children, and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If Amoxil is taken with certian other drugs the effects of those medications may be altered. Amoxil can increase or decrease the effectiveness of you medicine. Let your doctor know if you are taking, oral contaceptives, probeecid, tetracycline, erythromycin, or chloramphenicol.

As with all antibiotics you should always take all of the medication that you have been prescribed. Even if you are feeling better you should finish all of your antibiotic and you should never share with someone else. If you don't take all of them you may decrease the effectiveness of the present treatment and make the bacteria stronger so that Amoxil or other antibiotics will not be able to effectively treat it the next time you or someone else gets sick.

Whether to take Amoxil or any other antibiotic is a personal decision. However knowing what Amoxil does and the side affects that can come from taking it gives us the information to make a good decision regarding our health and the health of our children.