Common uses

This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking probenecid, or live vaccines. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, anticoagulants, allopurinol, methotrexate, tetracycline antibiotics, or injectable aminoglycosides. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver disease, blood disorders (e.g., clotting or bleeding problems), other infections (e.g., mononucleosis), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of cholestatic jaundice or liver condition from taking this medicine in the past. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. However, for better absorption of this medicine and to prevent upset stomach, this medicine is best taken with food. Keep this medicine in the original container, with the lid tightly closed.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a penicillin antibiotic (such as amoxicillin, ampicillin) or a cephalosporin antibiotic (such as ceclor, keflex, ceftin, duricef). A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you experience difficulty breathing or tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If moderate to severe diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Use of this medicine for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush, or a new yeast infection (e.g., oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.

For women taking birth control pills, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. If you have diabetes mellitus, this medicine may cause false test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may go away during treatment include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or mild diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience white patches on the tongue, or vaginal discomfort/itching or discharge. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience easy bruising or bleeding, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, dark urine, severe stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin, or severe or bloody diarrhea.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Additional information

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.