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Amoxicillin 250mg Capsules

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PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Amoxicillin 250mg and 500mg Capsules

What you should know about Amoxicillin Capsules

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your medicine. The leaflet provides a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The name of your medicine is Amoxicillin 250mg Capsules or Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules.

What is in your medicine?

This medicine is available in two strengths:

Amoxicillin 250mg capsules: Red and white capsules. Each capsule contains amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 250mg amoxicillin, the active ingredient.

Amoxicillin 500mg capsules: Red and white capsules. Each capsule contains amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 500mg amoxicillin, the active ingredient.

Other ingredients: Both strengths contain the inactive ingredients sodium lauryl sulphate and magnesium stearate. The capsule shell contains gelatin and the colours titanium dioxide (E171), red iron oxide (E172) and erythrosine (E127).

The capsules are available in packs containing 21 capsules; your pharmacist will provide you with the required amount prescribed by your doctor.

What is amoxicillin?

The active substance amoxicillin is one of a group of antibiotic medicines called penicillins. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by interfering in the manufacture of the bacterial cell wall.

Who makes this medicine?

The Manufacturing Authorisation Holder is Fannin (UK) Limited, 42-46 Booth Drive, Park Farm South, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 6GT, UK

The Manufacturer responsible for EU release is Fannin (UK) Limited, 57 High Street, Odiham, Hants, RG29 1LF

Uses

This medicine is used to treat a range of bacterial infections including those of the chest (bronchitis or pneumonia), throat (including tonsillitis), sinuses, ears (including otitis media), teeth and gums, skin and tissue (such as acne), the bladder or urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder), kidneys, stomach and bowel. It is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, and in the prevention of endocarditis (an inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves).

Before taking your medicine

DO NOT take this medicine if:

•    You have previously suffered an allergic reaction to any medicine containing amoxicillin, other penicillin antibiotics or cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin).

•    You are allergic to any of the other ingredients listed above.

•    You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.

•    You suffer from kidney problems.

Prolonged use of an antibiotic may result in infections due to bacteria resistant to the antibiotic.

TAKE SPECIAL CARE and speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are taking any other medicines particularly the following:

•    Methotrexate, a drug used to treat cancer.

•    You are taking the oral contraceptive pill, as your pill may not work properly and you may need to use additional means of birth control.


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Taking your medicine

Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Amoxicillin Capsules may be given before, with or after food, unless the pharmacist’s label advises a specific time. The doses should be spaced as evenly as possible through the day. It is not normally necessary to take a dose in the middle of the night, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Adults

The usual dose is 250mg three times daily. Your doctor may double the dose in severe infections. You should NOT double the dose unless told to do so by your doctor. The maximum daily dose is 6g.

The following infections may only need a short course of treatment:

Infections of the kidneys, bladder or urethra: Two 3g doses (6 of the 500mg capsules) taken 10 to 12 hours apart. Gonorrhoea: Take a single dose of 3g (6 of the 500mg capsules).

Prevention of endocarditis: Take 3g (6 of the 500mg capsules) one hour prior to surgery or dental procedures. Children under 10 years

The usual dose is 125mg three times daily. It is preferable to use an oral suspension form of this medicine for children.

Otitis media: In severe cases your doctor may prescribe 750mg (3 of the 250mg capsules) twice a day for two days.

Prevention of endocarditis: Give the following dose to your child one hour prior to surgery or dental procedures. Under 10 years: 1500mg (3 of the 500mg capsules). Under 5 years: 750mg (3 of the 250mg capsules).

You should take your medicine as directed by your doctor. The pharmacist’s label should tell you how much to take and how often. If it does not or you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You should keep taking this medicine until the prescribed course is finished; if you stop too soon, the infection may start up again. If you still feel unwell at the end of the prescribed course of treatment, you should contact your doctor.

If you have accidentally taken a large amount, drink plenty of water and consult your doctor or local casualty department immediately.

If you have forgotten to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before, but do not take two doses within approximately one hour of each other. If you are at all concerned about this you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible side-effects

It is possible that while you are taking Amoxicillin Capsules you may experience unwanted effects. If you develop a skin rash or itching while taking this medicine STOP the treatment and tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY.

Other side-effects include swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. While rare these may be signs of a more serious allergic reaction. Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you develop any of these symptoms.

This medicine may cause inflammation of the colon (leading to abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea and fever) or kidney problems.

If you notice any of the above side-effects or experience any other unpleasant effects which you think could be caused by this medicine, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Storing your medicine

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date shown on the carton.

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package and keep tightly closed to protect from light and moisture.

This leaflet was prepared February 2002.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Your medicine can harm them.

REMEMBER this medicine is for you. Only a doctor can prescribe it for you. Never give it to others it may harms them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

This leaflet only applies to Amoxicillin 250mg Capsules and Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules.