Amoxicillin 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely.
To minimize the risk of an upset stomach and ensure the medication works effectively, take it at the beginning of a meal. Before using, shake the bottle well. When measuring a liquid dose, use the measuring device that comes with the medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device to accurately measure your dose.
You can mix this medication with formula, milk, water, or other cold beverages. After mixing, consume the dose immediately. Establish a routine by taking your medication at the same time every day. Continue taking your medication as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the liquid suspension at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the medication. Any unused portion of the medication should be discarded after 2 weeks.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you have questions about the proper disposal of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also want to inquire about 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 is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take the full course of medication as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure the infection is fully treated.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Use a calibrated measuring spoon or cup for accurate dosing.
- Store the reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 14 days (or as directed by pharmacist).
- Report any signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing) immediately.
- Report severe or persistent diarrhea, as it could be a sign of a more serious infection (C. difficile).
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
Condition-Specific 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 help right away:
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, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor right away. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions, may occur. These reactions can affect body organs and be life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
+ 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 significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Headache
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 skin rash, hives, or peeling skin
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe or watery diarrhea, especially if bloody
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Persistent sore throat or fever (may indicate superinfection)
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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
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.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
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.
Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.
A change in tooth color to yellow-gray-brown has been reported in some individuals taking this drug, particularly in children. In most cases, the discoloration lessened or resolved with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in tooth color, consult with your doctor.
When taking this medication, birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods may be less effective in preventing pregnancy. To minimize the risk of unplanned 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 and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Crystalluria (in severe cases, leading to renal failure)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis may be used in cases of severe renal impairment or significant overdose.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity)
- Warfarin (increased INR and bleeding risk)
Moderate Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased risk of skin rash)
- Oral contraceptives (may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives, though clinical significance is debated)
- Probenecid (increases and prolongs amoxicillin blood levels)
- Tetracyclines (may antagonize the bactericidal effect of penicillins)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To guide dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in elderly or those with suspected renal dysfunction.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily during therapy
Target: Improvement in fever, pain, inflammation
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure or resistant organism.
Frequency: Daily during therapy and for several days post-therapy
Target: Absence of allergic symptoms
Action Threshold: Any sign of allergic reaction requires immediate discontinuation.
Frequency: Daily during therapy
Target: Absence or mild, manageable symptoms
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent diarrhea may indicate C. difficile infection.
Frequency: More frequently (e.g., 2-3 times per week) during co-administration and for a few days after discontinuation.
Target: Therapeutic INR range for indication
Action Threshold: INR outside target range requires dose adjustment of warfarin.
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin rash (hives, maculopapular rash)
- Itching
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine or yellowing of skin/eyes (jaundice)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there is no evidence of harm in pregnant women. However, it should only be used if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amoxicillin is considered compatible with breastfeeding (L1). It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While generally safe, monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
Amoxicillin is widely used and generally safe in pediatric populations. Dosing is weight-based. Care should be taken to ensure accurate dosing with appropriate measuring devices. Risk of rash (especially in patients with mononucleosis) should be considered.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is needed based on age alone, but dose adjustments are necessary for age-related decreases in renal function. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal disturbances and C. difficile-associated diarrhea.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Amoxicillin is a first-line agent for many common bacterial infections, including otitis media, sinusitis, and strep throat.
- The suspension must be shaken well before each dose to ensure uniform distribution of the medication.
- Advise patients to complete the entire prescribed course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
- A non-allergic rash (maculopapular rash) can occur, especially in patients with infectious mononucleosis, and is not necessarily a contraindication to future penicillin use.
- Refrigeration of the reconstituted suspension is crucial for maintaining stability and taste.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalexin (a first-generation cephalosporin)
- Cefdinir (a third-generation cephalosporin)
- Azithromycin (a macrolide, for penicillin-allergic patients)
- Clindamycin (for specific anaerobic infections or penicillin-allergic patients)
- Doxycycline (for certain respiratory or skin infections)