by William Menna

Created on: October 01, 2010   Last Updated: October 20, 2010

The generic prescription medication amoxicillin is a derivative of the iconic antibiotic penicillin. Also marketed under such brand names as Amoxil, Prevpac, and Trimox, amoxicillin can treat a variety of bacterial infections including bronchitis, H. pylori, and gonorrhea. While it is only used for a short period of time, amoxicillin can cause some brief discomfort. The side effects of amoxicillin include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, white spots on the mouth and tongue, and widespread skin rash.

According to WebMD, amoxicillin is prescribed to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, strep throat, pneumonia, H. pylori, some urinary tract infections, and gonorrhea. Amoxicillin inhibits the growth of bacteria to combat infections. While the specific course can differ by person and infection, the average prescription of amoxicillin calls for two weeks of use. It is also often accompanied by other medications, specifically when treating ulcers caused by H. pylori.

The most common side effects of amoxicillin are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. It can also cause oral thrush or a yeast infection by attacking not only the infecting bacteria, but healthy bacteria as well. Oral thrush involves the development of white patches of fungus on the tongue and mouth. Other side effects of amoxicillin include restlessness and feelings of anxiety or agitation, per the University of Maryland Medical Center.

In some cases, the side effects of amoxicillin can be severe and require immediate medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, serious amoxicillin side effects are characterized by irregular breathing, fainting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light-colored stool, and seizures are also possible side effects of amoxicillin. In people who are allergic to penicillin, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing are frequent indicators of a reaction.

It is not always safe to take multiple medications together. In the case of amoxicillin, WebMD reports that methotrexate, allopurinol, and any bacterial vaccines can be interactive with the antibiotic. Probenecid can also cause complications by increasing the amount of time amoxicillin remains in the body. The Mayo Clinic adds venlafaxine, vecuronium, and cyclosporine as medications that may interact with penicillin.

Amoxicillin, also known by the brand names Amoxil, Trimox, and others, is a prescription antibiotic used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. The side effects of amoxicillin are varied and can include headache, nausea, and thrush or yeast infection. Amoxicillin can cause allergic and non-allergic skin rashes, so bring it to the attention of a doctor if one develops. Talk to your doctor about any serious side effects of amoxicillin.

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