This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Amoxicillin Information

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a type of Penicillin drug used in treating infections caused by different bacteria, including Staphylococcus, E. Coli, H. Pylori, and H. Influenzae. This drug is used for a wide range of diseases, such as chest infection (including pneumonia), gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections. It’s also used to treat skin, ear, and nose, throat, and lung infections.

When combined with Clarithromycin plus a stomach acid reducer, Amoxicillin also helps in treating stomach ulcers.

Amoxicillin is a generic drug for other brand-name medications, such as Amoxil, Moxatag, Trimox, and Moxilin.

Amoxicillin was invented in 1972 by a British pharmaceutical company called Beecham Research Laboratories. It got approved by the FDA in 1972, and adults and children can use it. Note that Amoxicillin is a prescription-only drug. You cannot buy it over-the-counter.

Proper use of Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is available in the following forms and strengths;

Tablets (oral)

• 500 mg
• 875 mg

Oral chewable tablet

• 125 mg
• 200 mg
• 250 mg
• 400 mg

Capsule

• 250 mg
• 500 mg

Oral solution

• 125 mg/5 ml
• 200 mg/5 ml
• 250 mg/5 ml
• 400 mg/5 ml

Your doctor will base the dosage based on your disease being treated and your response to treatment. Do not adjust your dosage or take the drug for a prolonged time unless the doctor instructs you.

For better results, it’s advisable to take this drug at around the same time every day. This ensures that there is enough medication in your system between the dosages.

Amoxicillin (Amoxil generic) tends to cause stomach discomforts for some people. If your stomach gets upset after taking medications, consider taking it after a meal. Otherwise, you should take it with lots of water.

If you’re using Amoxicillin oral solution, the pharmacist will reconstitute it or guide you on how to do it. Remember to use a medicine cup, syringe, dropper, or a dosing spoon for accuracy. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons as these don’t always offer correct dosages.

Lastly, if you’re using Amoxicillin 500mg capsules or tablets, you should swallow them without crashing. However, chewable tablets shouldn’t be swallowed whole. Instead, you should chew it thoroughly and then swallow with or without water.

Dosing

Amoxicillin dosage depends on age and the infection being treated. Your doctor will also assess how you’re responding to medication and may recommend adjustments.

Common Amoxicillin dosage for Ear, Nose, and Throat infections

Adults: Mild cases

• 500 mg orally every 12 hours or 250 mg orally every 6 hours for 10-14 days

Adults: Severe cases

• 875 mg orally every 12 hours or 500 mg orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Children: Mild cases

Below 3 months

• 30 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours for 2-3 days

Above 3 months but less than 40 kg

• 25 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg/day orally every 8 hours

Above 40 kgs

• 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Children: Severe cases

Below 3 months

• 30 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours for 2-3 days

Above 3 months and under 40 kgs

• 45 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day orally every 8 hours

Above 40 kgs

• 875 mg orally every 12 hours or 500 mg orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Lower respiratory tract infection

Amoxicillin dosage for adults

• 875 mg orally every 12 hours or 500 mg orally every 8 hours for 10-14 days

Children: Below 3 months

• 30 mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours for 2-3 days

Children: Above 3 months (below 40 kgs)

• 45 mg mg/kg/day orally every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg/day orally every 8 hours

Amoxicillin missed dose- What should you do?

Take the missed dose once you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, leave the missed dose and take your next Amoxicillin dosage on time. Don’t double your dose to make up for the one you missed.

Amoxicillin Uses

Amoxicillin (Amoxil generic) is an antibiotic used to treat different bacterial infections in adults and children. Your doctor may prescribe this drug for other purposes other than what we’ve listed below;

• Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infection
• Acute Otitis media
• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Anthrax
• Lyme disease
• Pneumonia
• Genitourinary tract infection
• Skin infection
• Helicobacter pylori

Before using Amoxicillin

Here’s what you should know about Amoxicillin before using it:

Allergies- Amoxicillin is a product of Penicillin, which can cause allergic reactions to some people. Consult your doctor if you’ve developed any of the symptoms of Amoxicillin allergy reaction listed below;

• Hive
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath

Amoxicillin drug interactions- Amoxicillin (Amoxil generic) reacts with over 30 drugs, some of which we’ve listed below. If you’re taking any of these or other drugs not listed here, explain to your doctor before taking Amoxicillin for proper guidance;

• Acetaminophen
• Aleve
• Aspirin low strength
• Fish oil
• Lyrica
• Motrin
• Mucinex
• Singulair
• Tramadol
• Zoloft

Special Conditions

Amoxicillin pregnancy: Amoxicillin is classified under pregnancy category B by the FDA. It’s safe to take Amoxicillin during any trimester of your pregnancy. Importantly, the FDA recommends taking not more than 1000 mg per day.

Amoxicillin and breastfeeding: Amoxicillin is safe for use by nursing mothers. Although small amounts get into breast milk, it’s unlikely that it’s going to have any effect on the baby.

Pediatric: Amoxicillin is often prescribed to treat both mild and severe bacterial infections in children, including infants. Experts recommend taking the child back for a checkup after 2 days to assess the progress.

Amoxicillin warnings

• This is a Penicillin-based drug and may cause an allergic reaction. Consult your doctor if you have shortness of breath, hives, rash, fever, or swelling after taking it.
• Discuss with your doctor before mixing Amoxicillin with other drugs.
• Amoxicillin may interfere with drug tests. Tell the laboratory expert that you’re using it beforehand.
• Does Amoxicillin cause diarrhea- yes, Amoxicillin may cause diarrhea even 2 months after the last dose. Do not take or give diarrhea medicines before consulting your doctor.
• Consult your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within a few days after starting Amoxicillin dosage.

Amoxicillin side effects in kids and adults

There are common and rare Amoxicillin side effects as shown below;

Common (but not severe) side effects

• Headache
• Skin rash
• Stomach upset
• Abnormal taste sense
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal yeast infection

Rare (could be severe) side effects

• Anaphylaxis (symptoms include hives, and swelling on the face, tongue, and throat)
• Trouble sleeping
• Seizure
• Breathing problem
• Yellowing on the eyes and skin
• Dizziness

Amoxicillin Proper Storage

Amoxicillin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature away from direct sun rays, heat, and moisture. Do not store in a drug cabinet in the bathroom. Reconstituted Amoxicillin medicine should be stored in the refrigerator at below room temperature. Do not freeze. Unused liquid Amoxicillin drug should be disposed of within 2 weeks.

Amoxicillin Cost/Price

Amoxicillin (Amoxil generic) is one of the most popular and inexpensive antibiotics around the world. Between January and May this year (2020), the cost of this drug has been ranging from $12.28 to $12.56 for a 21-capsule supply of Amoxicillin 500 mg dosage without an Amoxicillin coupon. Today, the best price for Amoxicillin is around $10 for a similar dosage. While these drugs are cheaper, the price can get even lower if you have the best coupon for Amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin Mechanism of Action

Amoxicillin is a type of beta-lactam antibiotics. These drugs work by destroying the bacteria cells. Beta-lactams work by bonding with penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This inhibits a crucial process called transpeptidation (conversion of a peptide compound to another compound). With transpeptidation inhibited, the bacteria cell becomes prone to a wide range of environmental stresses leading to autolysis or self-destruction.