Moxatag (amoxicillin) is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Moxatag is used to treat tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) in adults and children 12 yrs and older. Moxatag is an extended release tablet consisting of three parts, an immediate-release and two delayed-release components, each containing amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Moxatag if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, or ticarcillin.
Before using Moxatag, tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others. Also tell your doctor if you have asthma, liver or kidney disease, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, mononucleosis (also called "mono"), or any type of allergy.
Moxatag can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Moxatag. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Amoxicillin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Moxatag and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin, or ticarcillin.
To make sure Moxatag is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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asthma;
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liver or kidney disease;
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mononucleosis (also called "mono");
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a history of diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics; or
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food or drug allergies (especially to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as Omnicef, Cefzil, Ceftin, Keflex, and others).
If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.
Moxatag is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Moxatag can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Moxatag.
Amoxicillin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Moxatag?
Take Moxatag exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
The recommended dose of Moxatag is one 775 mg tabet taken once daily with food. The tablet should be taken within one hour of finishing a meal.
Take Moxatag around the same time every day for 10 days. Complete the full 10-day course of therapy for effective treatment. Do not skip any doses or stop taking Moxatag until you finish your prescribed treatment, unless you have a serious allergic reaction or your doctor tells you to stop.
Do not crush, chew, or break a Moxatag extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the amoxicillin to be released at one time.
While using this medicine, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be checked.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Moxatag will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Moxatag.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, a severe skin rash, urinating less than usual, or seizure (black-out or convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Moxatag?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using Moxatag and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Moxatag side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Moxatag: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
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swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
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pale or yellowed skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
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severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
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easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or
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severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Moxatag side effects may include:
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stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
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vaginal itching or discharge;
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headache; or
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swollen, black, or "hairy" tongue.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Moxatag?
Other drugs may interact with amoxicillin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
