Amoxicillin Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Amoxicillin Suspension contains amoxicillin, a penicillin-like antibiotic (aminopenicillin) used to treat bacterial infections such as ear, throat, sinus, respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections. It does not work against viral infections like colds or flu. The suspension must be measured and mixed carefully and the full course should be completed as prescribed.

What is Amoxicillin Suspension

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that fights bacterial infections. It does not work against viral infections like colds or flu.

Amoxicillin Suspension uses

• Ear infections.
• Throat and tonsil infections.
• Certain sinus infections.
• Certain lower respiratory tract infections.
• Urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• Skin and soft-tissue infections.

Benefits of Amoxicillin Suspension

• Helps treat susceptible bacterial infections.
• Can reduce infection-related pain and discomfort.
• Helps reduce fever caused by bacterial infections.
• Supports recovery when the infection responds to amoxicillin.
• Liquid form can be easier to administer to children.

How Amoxicillin Suspension works

Amoxicillin kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls, which are needed for the bacteria to grow and survive.

Amoxicillin Suspension dosage

Take amoxicillin at around the same times every day, usually every 8 or 12 hours. Some forms may be taken with or without food; check your medicine label, or take with food if it upsets your stomach. Shake the suspension well before each use so the medicine mixes evenly.

The suspension may be placed directly on the tongue or mixed into formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or another cold drink and taken right away — do not save the mixed dose for later. Do not use a household spoon to measure a dose; use a proper measuring device such as a dosing syringe or medicine spoon.

Take the full course of medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better, to make sure the infection is fully treated. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule — never take two doses at once. Elderly patients may need kidney function monitoring while taking this medicine.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Chewable tablet
• Powder for oral suspension
• Injection

Side effects of Amoxicillin Suspension

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Temporary yellow, brown, or gray discoloration of the teeth

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing
• Severe skin reactions: blistering, peeling skin, red or purple rash that looks burned
• Severe or bloody diarrhea with or without fever and stomach cramps, which can happen up to 2 months after treatment
• Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, and paleness occurring within 24 hours of taking the medicine
• Low platelet count, seizures, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), meningitis, and inflammation of blood vessels

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take amoxicillin if you are allergic to it or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, or penicillin.
• Amoxicillin only works against bacteria — it will not treat colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using it when it isn't needed can make future infections harder to treat.
• Amoxicillin can make birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections less effective. Use another method of birth control while taking this medicine.
• Antibiotics like amoxicillin can cause diarrhea, which may happen during treatment or up to a few months after stopping. Do not take anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• Complete the full course of amoxicillin even if you feel better, since stopping early can let the infection come back or become resistant to treatment.
• It is not clearly known how amoxicillin affects pregnancy or an unborn baby, since no studies have been done in pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• Amoxicillin passes into breast milk and may cause sensitization in a nursing infant, so caution is needed. Ask your doctor about any risk before breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, since your dose may need to be adjusted.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease before taking this medicine.
• It isn't clearly known if alcohol affects amoxicillin, but heavy drinking can weaken your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight the infection.

Storage

• Liquid medicine should preferably be kept in the refrigerator, but it may be stored at room temperature
• Do not freeze the liquid medicine
• Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 14 days
• Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, and out of sight and reach of children
• Dispose of unneeded medicine through a medicine take-back program; do not flush it down the toilet

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, trouble breathing, wheezing, or a tight throat.
• Call a doctor right away if you have severe or bloody diarrhea with stomach cramps, since this can be a sign of a serious intestinal problem, even if it happens months after your last dose.
• Seek medical help if you notice pale stools, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, which can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems.
• Stop taking amoxicillin and call your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin, as this can be a sign of a severe skin reaction.
• Seek emergency care right away for severe vomiting within hours of taking the medicine, along with diarrhea, extreme tiredness, paleness, or dizziness, since these can be signs of a rare but serious reaction.

Alternatives

• Cephalexin
• Penicillin V
• Ampicillin