- Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria responsible for causing an infection. Most people who take penicillin for a sinus infection will begin to feel better within days of beginning the medicine, but it is important to take all the prescribed drugs to ensure the infection does not return.
- Amoxicillin is available in many forms, including pills and liquid suspensions. People taking it in fill form should not chew the pills. When taken as a liquid suspension, the patient or a caretaker should use care to ensure the proper dose is administered and always use a medicine dispenser, not a spoon, to measure out the medicine. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, but people who develop an upset stomach after taking it should try taking it with a small meal.
- Most people who are prescribed amoxicillin to clear up a sinus infection will not experience any side effects from the medication. However, some people may notice nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. None of these side effects is cause for concern.
- In rare cases, people taking amoxicillin may develop a serious side effect that could indicate a complication requiring medical treatment. Stop taking the medication and notify your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: jaundice; dark urine; bloody stools; vaginal discharge or irritation; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe diarrhea; confusion; fever, chills or a persistent sore throat; seizures; stomach pain or cramps; or red, swollen, peeling or blistered skin.
- As with many drugs, some medications are known to interact with amoxicillin. People taking it with an anticoagulant are more likely to experience bleeding. When taken with probenecid, the amount of amoxicillin in a patient's blood can increase. Amoxicillin may not be as effective when taken along with certain other antibiotics, including macrolide and tetracycline antibiotics. People who take amoxicillin along with methotrexate are more likely to experience that drug's side effects. In addition, birth control pills and the live oral typhoid vaccine are not as effective in people also taking amoxicillin.
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