Moxatag™ (
amoxicillin ER) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat strep throat in people age 12 and older. It is the first, once-a-day
amoxicillin medication.
Moxatag is made by MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
How Does the Medication Work?
Moxatag belongs to a group of drugs 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.
Amoxicillin (the active ingredient in Moxatag) causes "concentration-dependent killing" of bacteria. Essentially, this means that amoxicillin will be most effective if a certain minimum blood level of the drug is maintained for the longest period of time. This is why most amoxicillin products should be taken multiple times per day.
However, Moxatag is uniquely designed to provide three separate releases of the medication, prolonging the time that the minimum effective blood levels are achieved. This allows the medication to be taken just once a day and to be taken at a lower dosage, compared to most other amoxicillin products.
When and How to Take Moxatag
Some general considerations for those taking this medication include the following:
- Moxatag comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once a day.
- Your dose should be taken within one hour after finishing a meal.
- Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or dissolve them.
- Make sure to finish your Moxatag prescription. Usually, it is taken for a full 10 days.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Moxatag may not work adequately or bacterial resistance may develop if you stop taking it too soon.
There is only one standard dosage for this medication, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust this amount unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Moxatag may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Some of the most common side effects include but are not limited to:
(Click Moxatag Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Moxatag if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- A penicillin allergy
- Any other allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Overdose on This Medicine?
People who take an overdose may experience effects such as:
- Decreased urine production
- Poor kidney function
- Kidney failure.
If you happen to take too much Moxatag, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Moxatag?
If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the one you missed and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Moxatag. Try not to miss doses, as this increases the risk of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Moxatag tablets come in one strength -- Moxatag 775 mg tablets.
Is There a Generic Version of Moxatag?
This medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Moxatag for more information).
