Almox 500mg

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION FOR?

Almox 500mg is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Amoxicillin also is sometimes used to treat Lyme disease, to prevent anthrax infection after exposure, and to treat anthrax infection of the skin.

HOW TO USE?

Amoxicillin comes as a capsule, a tablet, a chewable tablet, and as a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day) with or without food. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection that you have. Take amoxicillin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amoxicillin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The suspension may be placed directly on the child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold liquid and taken immediately. The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. Swallow the tablets and capsules whole with a full glass of water; do not chew or crush them. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with amoxicillin. Take amoxicillin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking amoxicillin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

PRECAUTIONS:

Before taking amoxicillin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin; penicillin antibiotics; cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefazolin (Ancef, Kefzol), cefepime (Maxipime), cefixime (Suprax), cefotaxime (Claforan), cefotetan, cefoxitin (Mefoxin), cefpodoxime, cefprozil, ceftaroline (Teflaro), ceftazidime (Fortaz, Tazicef, in Avycaz), ceftibuten, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime (Ceftin, Zinacef), and cephalexin (Keflex); any other medications; or any of the ingredients in amoxicillin capsules, tablets, or suspension. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim), other antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), oral contraceptives, and probenecid (Probalan, in Col-Probenecid). Tell your doctor if you have mononucleosis (a virus; also called 'mono') and if you have or have ever had kidney disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, or hives. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent damage to your brain that can cause severe intellectual disability), you should know that some amoxicillin chewable tablets are sweetened with aspartame that forms phenylalanine.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS:

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

WHAT TO DO IF I MISS A DOSE?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Changes in taste, Headache, Rash, Skin blisters or peeling, Itching, Hives, Wheezing, Difficulty swallowing or breathing, Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes, Severe diarrhea that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment).

HOW TO STORE:

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The liquid medication preferably should be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.