Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a prescription drug used for treating various types of bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from making cell walls, causing them to die eventually. You should talk to your healthcare provider before using amoxicillin if you have kidney disease or phenylketonuria. The medication comes in the form of capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, pediatric drops, and oral suspension.

 

What Is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin (Amoxil®) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat a variety of different infections. Although it is often used by itself, amoxicillin can also be combined with other antibiotics to treat certain infections.
 
(Click Amoxicillin Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with amoxicillin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the possible side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Thrush
  • Rashes.
     
(Click Amoxicillin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Amoxicillin?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Phenylketonuria
  • A penicillin allergy
  • Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Amoxicillin Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

How Does It Work?

Amoxicillin belongs to a group of medications known as aminopenicillins, which is part of a larger group of medications known as beta-lactam antibiotics (named after the ring-like "lactam" structure of these antibiotics). It works by stopping bacteria from making cell walls, which eventually causes the bacteria to die.
 

When and How to Take Amoxicillin

Some general considerations include the following:
 
  • Amoxicillin comes as capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, pediatric drops, and oral suspension (liquid). For most conditions, it is usually taken by mouth two or three times a day (except for gonorrhea, which is treated with a single, one-time dose).
     
  • You can take the medication with food or on an empty stomach. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Be sure to shake the oral suspension or pediatric drops well before each dose. The suspension and drops taste better if stored in the refrigerator.
     
  • A dose of the oral suspension or pediatric drops can be added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or cold drinks if necessary. The mixture should then be taken immediately and completely.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it too soon.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of amoxicillin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of infection and bacteria
  • Your age and weight
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Amoxicillin Dosage for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions

Amoxicillin can potentially interact with a few other medications (see Amoxicillin Drug Interactions).
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take an overdose may experience effects such as (but not limited to):
 
  • Decreased urine production
  • Poor kidney function
  • Kidney failure.
     
If you happen to overdose on amoxicillin, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Amoxicillin Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your amoxicillin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
 

Generic Availability

Currently, this medication is available in generic form.
 
(Click Generic Amoxicillin for more information.)
 

Who Makes It?

Brand-name amoxicillin is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic amoxicillin is made by several different manufacturers.
 

Strengths

The medication comes in the following strengths and forms:
 
  • Amoxicillin 500 mg capsules
  • Amoxicillin 500 mg tablets
  • Amoxicillin 875 mg tablets
  • Amoxicillin 200 mg chewable tablets
  • Amoxicillin 400 mg chewable tablets
  • Amoxicillin 200 mg/5 mL oral suspension (available in 50, 75, and 100 mL bottles)
  • Amoxicillin 250 mg/5 mL oral suspension (available in 100 and 150 mL bottles)
  • Amoxicillin 400 mg/5 mL oral suspension (available in 50, 75, and 100 mL bottles)
  • Amoxicillin 50 mg/mL pediatric drops (available in 50 mL bottles).
     

Storage Methods

Store amoxicillin capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It is best to keep the suspension and pediatric drops in the refrigerator after being mixed (by your pharmacist), although this is not necessary. The suspension and drops must be discarded within 14 days of being mixed.
 
Keep amoxicillin and all medications out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;