Generic name: amoxicillin
Brand names: Amoxil, Moxatag, Trimox, and Larotid
Drug class: penicillins
What is amoxicillin, and what is it used for?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to a drug class called penicillins. Other members of this class include
- ampicillin (Unasyn),
- piperacillin (Pipracil),
- ticarcillin (Ticar), and
- several others.
These antibiotics all have a similar mechanism of action. They do not directly kill bacteria, but they stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall.
Amoxicillin is effective against many different bacteria including H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci.
The FDA approved Amoxicillin in December 1974.
Amoxicillin uses
- Amoxicillin is used to treat infections due to bacteria that are susceptible to the effects of amoxicillin.
- Common bacterial infections that amoxicillin is used for include infections of the
- middle ear,
- tonsils,
- throat,
- larynx (laryngitis),
- bronchi (bronchitis),
- lungs (pneumonia),
- genital and urinary tract,
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- anthrax,
- endocarditis,
- urinary tract, and
- skin.
Amoxicillin also is used to treat gonorrhea.
Warnings
- Amoxicillin may cause hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, and imipenem.
- Do not take if you are allergic to amoxicillin or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- People with infectious mononucleosis ("mono") should not take amoxicillin because of risk of development of red skin rash.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
What are the side effects of amoxicillin?
Side effects due to amoxicillin include
- diarrhea,
- dizziness,
- heartburn,
- insomnia,
- nausea,
- itching,
- vomiting,
- confusion,
- abdominal pain,
- easy bruising,
- bleeding,
- rash, and
- allergic reactions.
People who are allergic to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, which are related to the penicillins, for example, cefaclor (Ceclor), cephalexin (Keflex), and cefprozil (Cefzil), may or may not be allergic to penicillins.
Serious but rare reactions include:
- seizures,
- severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and
- low platelet (thrombocytopenia) or red blood cell count.
Amoxicillin can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of some bacteria such as Clostridium difficile which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting amoxicillin (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their physician immediately.
QUESTION
See AnswerWhat is the dosage for amoxicillin?
- For most infections in adults the dose of amoxicillin is 250 mg every 8 hours, 500 mg every 8 hours, 500 mg every 12 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours, depending on the type and severity of infection.
- For the treatment of adults with gonorrhea, the dose is 3 g given as one dose.
- For most infections, children older than 3 months but less than 40 kg are treated with 25 or 45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 or 40 mg/kg/day with one-third of the daily dose given every 8 hours depending on the type and severity of the infection.
- Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food.
Which drugs or supplements interact with amoxicillin?
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor's recommendation.
Amoxicillin is rarely associated with important drug interactions.
Severe Interactions of Amoxicillin include:
- none
Amoxicillin has moderate interactions with at least 27 different drugs.
Mild drug interactions of amoxicillin include:
- amiloride
- azithromycin
- aztreonam
- chloramphenicol
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin base
- erythromycin ethylsuccinate
- erythromycin lactobionate
- erythromycin stearate
- pyridoxine (antidote)
The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Penicillins are generally considered safe for use by pregnant women who are not allergic to penicillin.
- Small amounts of amoxicillin may be excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in nursing infants. Amoxicillin is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Amoxicillin is used to treat infections in the newborn.
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What else should I know about amoxicillin?
Preparations
- Capsules: 250 and 500 mg.
- Tablets: 500 and 875 mg.
- Chewable tablets: 125, 200, 250, and 400 mg.
- Powder for suspension: 50 mg/ml ; 125, 200, 250, and 400 mg/5 ml.
- Tablet (Extended release): 775 mg
Storage
- Amoxicillin capsules as well as the 125 and 250 mg dry powders should be stored at or below 20 C (68 F).
- Chewable tablets as well as 200 and 400 mg dry powders should be stored at or below 25 C(77 F).
- Trimox capsules and unreconstituted powder should be stored at or below 20 C (68 F), and chewable tablets should be stored at room temperature 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
- Powder that has been mixed with water should be discarded after 14 days. Refrigeration is preferred but not required for powder mixed with water.
Summary
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to a class of antibiotics called penicillins. Common infections that amoxicillin is used to treat include middle ear infections, tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections. Common side effects of amoxicillin include nausea, itching, vomiting, confusion, abdominal pain, and easy bruising. Amoxicillin is generally considered safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Sometimes, UTI symptoms can linger even after antibiotic therapy. Reasons for this may be that your UTI is caused by an antibiotic-resistance strain of bacteria or caused by another type of bacteria, or you may have another condition entirely that causes UTI-like symptoms.
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Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. Patients at risk for VRE are those who are already ill, and hospitalized, including individuals with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters. Enterococci can survive for months in the digestive tract and female genital tract. Other risk factors for acquiring VRE include those how have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics. Treatment of VRE is generally with other antibiotics other than vancomycin. Prevention of VRE can be achieved by proper hand hygiene.
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Yeast Infection vs. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Candida albicans typically causes vaginal yeast infections. Bacterial infections typically cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thick white cottage-cheese like vaginal discharge characterizes vaginal yeast infections. Painful, frequent urination characterize urinary tract infections. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections while prescription antibiotics treat UTIs.
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What Is the Most Effective Antibiotic for UTI?
Doctors do not recommend taking a broad-spectrum antibiotic without a urine culture. Antibiotics your doctor may prescribe include Septran, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin or Ceftriaxone, Faropenem Doxycycline and tetracyclines and injectable antibiotics like tobramycin, amikacin and gentamicin.
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Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in children. Symptoms and signs include fever and abdominal pain. Associated symptoms and signs include flank pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment for a UTI involves antibiotic therapy.
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What Is the First-Line Antibiotic for UTI?
First-line antibiotics for acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically include fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole.
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Antibiotic Resistance (Drug Resistance, Antimicrobial Resistance)
Antibiotics are medications used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria and some fungi. The definition of antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to change (mutate) and grow in the presence of a drug (an antibiotic) that would normally slow its growth or kill it. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi become harder to treat. Antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and more deaths.
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What Is the Difference Between Cystitis and UTI?
Learn the difference between cystitis and UTI and how to treat each condition.
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Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes symptoms such as fever, headache, and chills. Treatment for leptospirosis requires antibiotics.
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Can UTI Go Away by Itself?
Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is caused by the bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Symptoms typically include an increased urge to urinate with or without pain in the side and lower back. It is more common in women than in men because the urethra of females is shorter and closer to the anus.
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Heart Attack Prevention
Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and stress management. Symptoms of heart attack in men and women include chest discomfort and pain in the shoulder, neck, jaw, stomach, or back.
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5 Home Remedies for UTI
A few home remedies have been shown to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of a UTI and to prevent recurrent UTI. These include adequate hydration, use of a heating pad, taking probiotics, vitamin C and cranberry juice.
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Urinary Tract Infection or Urinary Infection
The urinary system of your body includes two kidneys, two tubes (ureters), a urine sac (bladder) and an opening to expel the urine from the body (urethra). An infection of this system due to germs is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTI may be treated with antibiotics, especially if a kidney infection is involved.
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Can You Get UTI Antibiotics Over the Counter?
Currently, no urinary tract infection (UTI) antibiotics are available over the counter (OTC) in the United States. A person must consult a doctor to get the UTI treated with an antibiotic.
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How Do You Know if You Have a Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary tract infections can occur in both women and men. Learn the signs of urinary tract infection, what causes it, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
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How Do You Get Rid of a UTI at Home?
What is a UTI? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other home remedies can help to relieve your symptoms.
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How Do You Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Learn what medical treatments can help treat your urinary tract infection symptoms and help you manage this condition.
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How Can UTIs Be Prevented?
The key to preventing urinary tract infections is to keep bacteria out of your system. Drinking plenty of water and relieving yourself often can help prevent a UTI.
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What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection in a Child?
What is a urinary tract infection, and how does it affect children? Learn the signs of urinary tract infection in kids, what causes it, and what you can do to treat it.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Cloudy Urine
- Urine Odor
- Chlamydia
- Bladder Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
- Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)
- Earache
- Bladder Spasms
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
- Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna)
- Overactive Bladder (OAB)
- Gum Disease
- Acute Sinusitis
- Scarlet Fever
- Boil
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Lyme Disease
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Pericoronitis
- Overactive Bladder (OAB)
- Leptospirosis
- Aortic Stenosis
- Group A Streptococcus Infection
- PANDAS
- Urinary Tract Infections in Children
- Aortic Valve Stenosis
- Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
- STD FAQs
- Skin FAQs
- Pneumonia FAQs
- Acne FAQs
- Rosacea FAQs
- Strep Streptococcal Throat Infection FAQs
- Ear Infection FAQs
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Tonsils and Adenoids, Parent's Perspective
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- What Are the Side Effects of Taking Antibiotics Long-Term?
- Is It Dangerous to Use Antibiotics Excessively or Inappropriately?
- What Is a Lesion in the Bladder?
- What Is the Difference Between a Bladder Infection vs. UTI?
- What Causes an Ear Infection?
- How Do You Get an Ear Infection?
- Do You Get More UTIs During Menopause?
- Is there Over-the-Counter Ear Infection Medicine?
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms
- Antibiotics 101
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Penicillin (Antibiotics)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, Augmentin XR, Augmentin ES-600, Amoclan)
- Drug Interactions
- ampicillin
- Moxatag (amoxicillin) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- penicillin V
- amoxicillin/clavulanate
- probenecid, (Benemid - brand no longer available)
- Why Are Antibiotics Given Before Cutaneous Surgery?
- Talicia (omeprazole magnesium, amoxicillin and rifabutin)
Prevention & Wellness
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