Amoxicillin 125mg Chewable Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication at the beginning of a meal to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of stomach upset. Be sure to chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing. Establish a routine by taking your medication at the same time every day. Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about the best way to dispose of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Do not save unused medication for future infections.
- Report any signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing) immediately.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Amoxicillin 250mg Chew Tablets
- Amoxicillin 125mg Chewable Tablets
- Amoxicillin 250mg Capsules
- Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules
- Amoxicillin 875mg Tablets
- Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules
- Amoxicillin 200mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amoxicillin 400mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amoxicillin 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amoxicillin 400mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml Susp 80ml
- Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amoxicillin 200mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml Susp 150ml
- Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml Susp 80ml
- Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml Susp 150ml
- Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amoxicillin 200mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amoxicillin 250mg Capsules
- Amoxicillin 500mg Tablets
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Rarely, some allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome, a type of allergic reaction, such as:
+ Vomiting within 1 to 4 hours after taking this medication
+ Diarrhea within 24 hours after taking this medication
+ Pale or gray skin
+ Feeling tired or unwell
+ Signs of low blood pressure, including severe dizziness or passing out
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Fever or chills
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics, but rarely, a severe form called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. If you experience:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
+ Contact your doctor right away. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first.
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions, which can affect body organs and be life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any areas of skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may not have any side effects at all. However, if you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Headache
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe or watery diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or mucus
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
If you are allergic to penicillin, as this may impact your ability to take this medication safely.
If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono), as this condition may affect how you respond to this medication.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
* Health problems
with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug. If you have diabetes and test your urine glucose levels, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable tests to use.
Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this condition with their doctor, as some products may contain phenylalanine.
Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection. A common side effect, particularly in children, is a change in tooth color to yellow-gray-brown. In most cases, this discoloration can be reduced or eliminated with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in tooth color, consult with your doctor.
Women taking birth control pills or other hormone-based contraceptives should be aware that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this drug.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Crystalluria (rare, especially with high doses)
- Renal failure (rare)
What to Do:
Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is generally supportive; hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity)
- Warfarin (increased INR/bleeding risk, monitor INR)
Moderate Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased risk of amoxicillin-induced rash)
- Oral contraceptives (potential decrease in efficacy, though clinical significance debated)
- Tetracyclines (may antagonize amoxicillin's bactericidal effect)
- Probenecid (increases amoxicillin plasma levels and prolongs half-life)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Amoxicillin is primarily renally excreted; dose adjustment may be needed in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation in patients with known or suspected renal impairment.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily
Target: Resolution of infection symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms after 2-3 days; consider alternative diagnosis or treatment.
Frequency: Daily
Target: Absence of significant adverse effects
Action Threshold: Development of rash, severe diarrhea, or other concerning symptoms; discontinue if severe allergic reaction.
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin rash or hives (signs of allergic reaction)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing (signs of severe allergic reaction)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (may indicate C. difficile infection)
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Unusual bruising or bleeding (if on warfarin)
- Oral thrush or vaginal yeast infection (signs of superinfection)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Considered generally safe for use during pregnancy. Amoxicillin is a Category B drug, meaning animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal studies have shown an adverse effect but human studies have not.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Considered safe for use during breastfeeding (L1 - Safest). Amoxicillin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Monitor infant for potential diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash), or allergic reactions.
Pediatric Use
Amoxicillin chewable tablets are commonly used and well-tolerated in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based and adjusted for age and infection type. Close monitoring for allergic reactions is important.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is needed based solely on age. However, geriatric patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which may necessitate dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance. Monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal disturbances and potential for C. difficile infection.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Amoxicillin chewable tablets are ideal for pediatric patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Ensure the patient chews the tablet completely to ensure proper absorption and avoid choking hazards.
- Counsel patients on the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance.
- Amoxicillin is a common cause of non-allergic rash, especially in patients with mononucleosis. Differentiate this from a true allergic reaction.
- While food does not significantly affect absorption, taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalexin (Keflex) - another beta-lactam antibiotic
- Azithromycin (Zithromax) - macrolide antibiotic
- Clindamycin (Cleocin) - lincosamide antibiotic
- Cefdinir (Omnicef) - third-generation cephalosporin