Doctors prescribe amoxicillin to treat infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to the drug, including E. coli, staphylococcus, streptococcus, H. influenzae, and H. pylori.
Your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin to treat infections of the skin, throat, ears, nose, stomach, lungs, and urinary tract infections (UTI).
However, the drug will not work against infections caused by viruses such as cold and flu.
Also, guidelines urge doctors to prescribe amoxicillin only when an infection is strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved amoxicillin in the 1980s.
Today, many drug companies produce this antibiotic: Brand names include Amoxil, Polymox, Larotid, and Moxtag.
Amoxicillin Warnings
It's important to know that once you start a course of amoxicillin, you should finish the whole course.Do not stop taking amoxicillin, even if you feel better; instead, finish your entire prescription.
Not treating your infection completely can make it come back stronger. Stopping amoxicillin too soon can also lead to bacteria that are resistant to it.
People refer to antibiotic-resistant bugs as multidrug resistant bacteria or "superbugs." Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat worldwide.
It's also important to understand that amoxicillin may cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis if you are allergic to it.
This reaction, which can be life-threatening, includes hives, swelling of your throat, and difficulty breathing.
Amoxicillin also can interfere with certain types of birth control pills. Women who are using birth control pills should talk to their doctor before taking amoxicillin.
Elderly adults may need to take lower doses of amoxicillin.
Always tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, especially to antibiotics.
Let your doctor know about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
Using amoxicillin can be risky if you have certain conditions, so let your doctor know if you have:
- Allergies
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Mononucleosis
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Hives
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Amoxicillin and Pregnancy
If you're a woman, let your doctor know if you are or may be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or using birth control pills.Though amoxicillin is widely believed to be safe, ask your doctor if the risks of taking antibiotics while pregnant outweigh the benefits.
Also, let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding because amoxicillin can pass through breast milk and increase the risk for a later allergic reaction in babies.
Amoxicillin for Dogs
Amoxicillin is often prescribed for dogs and cats that have bacterial infections.Amoxi-Tabs is one brand name of this antibiotic; it's also available as a capsule and a liquid.
Amoxicillin is usually well-tolerated by most pets, and side effects are few. The drug can be given with food.
Give amoxicillin to your dog or cat according to your veterinarian's instructions, and don't stop giving the drug until the entire course of treatment is completed.
Amoxicillin Side Effects
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Yeast infection
If you have any of these side effects, stop taking amoxicillin and call your doctor right away:
- Severe rash
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Hives
- Seizure
- Excessive tiredness
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- A peeling or blistering rash
- Severe or bloody diarrhea
Amoxicillin Interactions
It's very important to let your doctor know about all drugs you are taking, including any over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins, herbs, or supplements.
Amoxicillin may make certain types of birth control pills less effective.
Drugs known to interact with amoxicillin include:
- A drug called allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim), used to treat gout, high levels of uric acid in the body, and kidney stones
- Another drug used to treat gout, called probenecid (Benemid)
- Other antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, macrolides, and tetracycline
Amoxicillin and Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking amoxicillin is generally considered safe, and it won't decrease the effectiveness of amoxicillin.However, taking antibiotics such as amoxicillin may cause an upset stomach, and alcohol can make this and other side effects worse.
Amoxicillin Dosage
Typical Dosages of Amoxicillin
Your dose of amoxicillin will depend on how severe your infection is and what type of infection you have.Doctors determine children's doses based on the type of infection and the child's weight.
Amoxicillin comes in both capsules and tablets. Adults should take tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water.
Children's amoxicillin comes in chewable tablets and liquid form.
You can take amoxicillin with or without food.
A common dose of amoxicillin for an adult with a mild to moderate ear, nose, or throat infection is 500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours until the prescription is finished.
For a more severe infection, a common dose of amoxicillin is 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours.
A common dose of amoxicillin for a child (older than 3 months) with a lower respiratory tract infection is 40 mg per kilogram (kg) of weight per day in divided doses every 8 hours.
Or, doctors sometimes want the child to take 45 mg per kg per day in divided doses every 12 hours.
Amoxicillin Overdose
Though rare, it's possible to take an overdose of amoxicillin.If you or someone else takes too much medicine, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the person collapses, stops breathing, or has any severe symptoms after an overdose, call 9-1-1.
Missed Dose of Amoxicillin
Take amoxicillin exactly as directed by your doctor.Do not stop taking amoxicillin on your own. Skipping doses or stopping too soon can make your infection harder to treat.
If you miss a dose of amoxicillin, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) Pictures
