Amoxil is a drug of the penicillin family and is an effective treatment for bacterial infections but not on viral ones. It cannot fight off colds or flu viruses. This drug is well accepted in the society since it is largely inexpensive, effective and it tastes good too. Amoxil is labeled as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means that it can treat a wide variety of commonly occurring bacterial infections. It works by altering the ability of bacteria to form cell wall. They need these walls to protect themselves from the effects of drugs entering their cell. Amoxil takes away the ability of the bacterial cell wall to adhere to each other creating holes and making them susceptible to drugs and medicines.

Amoxil can treat a wide variety of bacterial infection, but in order for the doctor to make sure it is the drug needed for a case, he may take a sample specimen and have it tested in the laboratory for proper screening. Some of the uses of Amoxil includes:
•    infections of the lungs
•    infections on the nasal passages, sinuses and throat
•    infections of the middle ear
•    Urinary Tract Infections
•    Bacterial infections of the skin
•    Gynecological infections
•    Blood infections, etc.

People with impaired or decreased kidney functions should avoid the use of amoxil since it is known to create urine crystals when not taken with a lot of water. Those people with histories of allergic reactions on amoxicillin, cephalosporin and penicillin drugs should also stay away from this drug. Other people that should take distance from this drug are those who have glandular fever, lymphoid leukemia, and cytomegalovirus infection as severe rashes could instantly occur.

The amount of Amoxil needed will largely depend on how severe the bacterial infection is and is also dependent on the age, weight and kidney function ability of the patient. Normally it is prescribed to be taken 3x a day but conditions could vary and should always be taken with plenty of water as it could easily form urine crystals if the patient is not well hydrated. Unlike other drugs though, it can be taken with or without food. It is advised to finish the prescribed course of the medication and not stop taking it as soon as you notice the symptoms to stop, doing so might not eliminate all bacteria and will easily grow back to reinfect the person.

Missed doses are considered missed. Leave it and take the next scheduled dosage. Do not overdose to compensate for the missed one.

Amoxil overdose could cause confusion, behavioral changes, as well as severe rashes all over the body. It could also cause lower urine volume or blacking out. If these symptoms start to show, call for medical help right away.

If diarrhea strikes while using Amoxil, stop using it and call the doctor. It may be a sign of new bacteria growing. If deciding to use it for the first time, always consult a doctor first.

Hereunder is a list of side effects that you should mention your physician as soon as possible: allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itchy skin, urticaria, swelling of face, lips or tongue; difficulty breathing; dark urine, redness, peeling or loosening of the skin or inside the mouth; convulsions, severe or watery diarrhea, difficulty when urinating or changes in the urine quantity; unusual bleeding; uncommon tiredness; yellowing of eyes or skin.
Here is the list of side effects that do not require special medical attention: dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping.
Advise if your doctor if there is no improvement in your health after 2-3 days of treatment.
If you have diabetes, you may have a false positive result for sugar in your urine. Check it with your doctor.    

These drugs may have mild to severe interactions with Amoxil, consult your doctor or pharmacists if you are taking some of these drugs before adding Amoxil on your treatment regimen.
•    Disulfiram
•    Warfarin
•    Tetracycline
•    Chloramphenicol
•    Contraceptives (diminished effect)
•    Methotrexate