Key facts about Amoxicillin
What dosages is Amoxicillin available in?
Amoxicillin is available as a 500 mg capsule, 500 mg and 875 mg tablet, 200 mg and 400 mg chewable tablet, and 200 mg/5 ml, 250 mg/ 5 ml, and 400 mg/5 ml powder for oral suspension.
What is Amoxicillin used for?
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that’s used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as sinus infections, ear infections, skin infections, strep throat, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How does Amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making an additional covering around themselves for protection.
How do I take Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is typically taken by mouth twice a day. Your dose and length of therapy will depend on the type and severity of th infection.
Is it safe for me to take Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take Amoxicillin if you have a history of allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins.
Amoxicillin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Amoxicillin include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
Amoxicillin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Amoxicillin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic and skin reactions: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing
- Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day)
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Amoxicillin
The following medications may interact with Amoxicillin:
- Probenecid – May increase the levels and effects of Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives
Who makes Amoxicillin?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Amoxicillin safe in pregnancy?
Amoxicillin is considered safe to take during pregnancy. Studies haven’t shown that it causes significant harm to unborn babies.
