Doctors typically prescribe amoxicillin for treating bacterial infections, such as dental abscesses and ear or chest infections. Amoxicillin is available in various forms and is also suitable for children.
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a type of penicillin antibiotic that can treat bacterial infections, such as those affecting your chest, ear, and stomach. It should only be taken when a doctor prescribes it.
Amoxicillin is only available as a prescription drug and comes in various forms, including oral tablets, suspension powder, and liquid. In some cases, you may receive amoxicillin in the form of an injection, but this is typically only available in hospitals.
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Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication that doctors prescribe for treating certain types of bacterial infections. It belongs to the drug class known as penicillin-like antibiotics and works by preventing the growth of bacteria.
The conditions that amoxicillin can treat include:
lower respiratory tract bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
sinus infections
urinary tract infections
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections, such as the flu and colds. You should never take amoxicillin unless a doctor prescribes it to you. Taking antibiotics without needing them can increase the chance of antibiotic resistance and may cause several side effects without improving your health condition.
What dosage is right for me?
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The dosage of amoxicillin usually depends on several factors, such as:
the condition that requires treatment
the severity of the condition
your age
how you respond to the first dose
other medical conditions you may have
Amoxicillin also comes as an oral suspension and a capsule. The following table focuses on the dosage of amoxicillin you should take related to its oral tablet form, as this is the form doctors most often prescribe.
Infection
Severity
Typical dose for adults
Typical dose for children older than 3 months of age
Nose/throat/ear skin
mild to moderate
250 milligrams (mg) every 8 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours
20 milligrams per kilogram each day (mg/kg/day) in divided doses every 8 hours or 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours
Nose/throat/ear skin
severe
500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours
40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours or 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours
Lower respiratory tract
mild to severe
500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours
40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours or 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours
When taking antibiotics, always follow a doctor’s advice. Your required dosage may vary depending on the infection you have and what form of amoxicillin a doctor prescribes to you.
How to take amoxicillin
Amoxicillin comes in several different forms, including:
film-coated tablets
chewable tablets
capsules
liquid suspension
People typically take amoxicillin twice a day, every 12 hours, or three times a day every 8 hours. Try to take amoxicillin around the same times each day. You can take this medication with or without food. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have and how severe it is.
If you do not understand the instructions on the prescription label, you can ask a pharmacist or a doctor for further clarification.
If you are taking film-coated tablets or capsules, swallow them with a glass of water, but if you take chewable tablets, always crush or chew them thoroughly before swallowing them.
Doctors may prescribe amoxicillin suspension to children as it is easier to make sure they take the correct dosage. Before taking the medication, always shake the suspension well to mix the drug evenly.
Suspensions may be mixed with other cold liquids, such as fruit juice, milk, or water, or placed directly on your tongue. Before mixing amoxicillin with other drinks, make sure you always ask a doctor first.
What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin?
Some common side effects you may experience when taking amoxicillin can include:
Amoxicillin may sometimes cause severe side effects and allergic reactions. You should get medical help immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
bloody stools that occur with or without stomach cramps
rash
skin peeling or blisters
hives
itching
wheezing
difficulties swallowing
breathing problems
swelling in your throat, face, eyes, tongue, or lips
Summary
Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic that can help treat several types of bacterial infections. Amoxicillin comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and suspensions. Doctors typically recommend taking amoxicillin twice or three times per day. The dosage and length of the treatment depend on the type of infection and its severity.
Amoxicillin can only treat certain bacterial infections and does not work for viral infections. Never take amoxicillin or any other antibiotics unless a doctor prescribes them to you.
