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What is Amoxicillin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 30, 2024  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Amoxicillin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • No brand name versions

Generic Names:

  • Amoxicillin

Uses:

  • Treats bacterial infections or stomach ulcers

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic, penicillin

Forms:

  • Tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, oral suspension (liquid) 

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Amoxicillin used for?

Amoxicillin is FDA-approved to treat bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, sinuses, lower respiratory tract, skin, skin structures, and the urinary tract. Amoxicillin is also a key component of Helicobacter pylori eradication in people with stomach or intestinal ulcers. Dentists also commonly use it off-label to treat periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease.

What form(s) does Amoxicillin come in

  • Tablet

    • 500 mg

    • 875 mg

  • Chewable Tablet

    • 125 mg

    • 250 mg

  • Capsule

    • 250 mg

    • 500 mg

  • Oral suspension (liquid)

    • 125 mg/5 mL

    • 200 mg/5 mL

    • 250 mg/5 mL

    • 400 mg/5 mL

What are common Amoxicillin doses?

  • For bacterial infections in adults: 750–1,750 mg per day taken in divided doses 8 hours or 12 hours apart depending on the type of infection

    • In infants younger than 3 months: 20–30 mg/kg per day in divided doses 12 hours apart

    • In infants and children older than 3 months: 50–90 mg/kg per day in divided doses 8 hours or 12 hours apart

  • For H. pylori eradication in adults: 1 gram taken twice per day for 5–14 days (triple or quadruple therapy) or 1 g taken three times per day for 14 days (dual therapy)

  • To see dosages for specific infections, visit SingleCare’s amoxicillin dosage, forms, and strengths page here.

Common Amoxicillin prescriptions

  • Amoxicillin
    100ml of 125mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    100ml of 200mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    100ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    100ml of 400mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    150ml of 125mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    150ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    50ml of 200mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    50ml of 400mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    75ml of 200mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    75ml of 400mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    80ml of 125mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    80ml of 250mg/5ml bottle

  • Amoxicillin
    250mg capsule

  • Amoxicillin
    500mg capsule

  • Amoxicillin
    500mg tablet

  • Amoxicillin
    875mg tablet

  • Amoxicillin
    125mg tablet chewable

  • Amoxicillin
    250mg tablet chewable

How to take Amoxicillin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Doses should be taken every 8 to 12 hours. Do not miss a dose.

  • Take all the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • How to take amoxicillin tablets or capsules:

    • Take amoxicillin tablets or capsules at the start of a meal to avoid stomach problems

    • Store the tablets or capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container. 

  • How to take amoxicillin chewable tablets:

    • You must chew the tablet before you swallow it. 

    • You may crush the tablet and mix the medicine with a small amount of food to make it easier to swallow.

    • Store the tablets at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

  • How to administer the oral suspension:

    • The oral suspension comes as a powder. The pharmacist will mix it with water when filling the prescription.

    • The oral suspension is usually prescribed for children.

    • Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.

    • Measure each dose using the oral syringe or other measurement device provided with the medicine. The pharmacist can supply one if it’s missing.

    • The dose can be put directly on the child’s tongue.

    • Alternatively, the dose can be mixed with formula, milk, water, juice, ginger ale, or cold drinks. Once mixed, the mixture should be immediately administered.

    • Store the suspension in a tightly sealed container out of the reach of children.

    • The suspension can be stored in the refrigerator, but it’s not necessary. Do not freeze.

    • Discard the bottle and any unused medicine after 14 days.

What to do if you miss a dose of Amoxicillin

  • Do not miss a dose. If missed doses are a problem, ask a pharmacist for solutions such as a reminder app or watch alarm.

  • Take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

  • Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Amoxicillin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • You should not use amoxicillin if you have had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, any type of penicillin, or a cephalosporin antibiotic.

Amoxicillin warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor or healthcare provider may need to check your progress and the effects of this medicine at follow-up visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Use this medicine to treat only the infection your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not use this medicine for any infection or condition that has not been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or the common cold.

  • Before taking this antibiotic, tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you have:

    • Kidney disease

    • Drug allergies

    • Mononucleosis

  • Tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Amoxicillin interactions

  • Because of possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking this drug.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

  • This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • People who need live BCG treatment for bladder cancer should not be taking amoxicillin because it will kill the bacteria in the dose.

  • Combining amoxicillin with some drugs may cause problems. These drugs include:

    • Other types of antibiotics

    • Birth control pills

    • Blood thinners

    • The gout drugs probenecid and allopurinol

Amoxicillin side effects

Serious side effects

Amoxicillin can cause serious side effects. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Severe, bloody, or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

Less serious side effects

  • Mild skin rash

  • Mild diarrhea

Sources:

Amoxicillin News & Research

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