Other Brands/Names

Amobiotic, Amodix, Amofion, Amosterra 500, Amoxan Forte, Amoxil, Amoxsan, Ancla Forte, Arcamox, Bannoxilin, Bellacid, Betaclav, Bintamox, Broadamox, Bufamoxy, Camoksil, Corsamox, Danoxilin, Decamox, Dexymox, Etamox, Erlamoxy, Erphamoxy, Etamox, Kamox, Kimoxil, Lapimox, Lauramox, Leomoxyl, Liskoma, Medimox, Mestamox, Mexylin, Mokbios 500, Moxaxil, Moxigra, Moxtid 500, Novamox, Novax, Nufamox, Opimox, Ospamox, Pehamoxil, Penmox, Pharmaclav, Pharmamox, Primoxil 250, Pritamox, Ramoxyl, Robamox, Rimoxa, Rindomox, Sammoxin, Scannoxyl, Sirimox, Xiltrop.

How It Works

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group, used to treat bacterial infections. It works by disrupting the formation of bacterial cell walls, leading to the destruction or breakdown of the bacteria. This antibiotic is not effective against viral infections.

Indications

Amoxicillin is used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia (lung infection), bronchitis (infection of the respiratory tract leading to the lungs), and other bacterial infections in different organs. It can also be combined with other medications to eradicate H. pylori, a bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers.

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to amoxicillin, other penicillin antibiotics, or cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefadroxil, cefixime, or cefotaxime.

• Suspected or confirmed individuals with infectious mononucleosis (a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus) cannot be treated with amoxicillin.

Side Effects

Common side effects of amoxicillin include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Dark urine

• Persistent nausea or vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

• Easy bruising or bleeding

• Persistent fever

• Rash, itching, or swelling of the skin, especially on the face, tongue, or throat

• Severe dizziness

• Difficulty breathing

Types

Amoxicillin is available in several forms, including caplets, tablets, capsules, dry syrup (in 60 ml bottles), or injection.

Dosage

For oral dosage (bacterial infections)

• Adults: 250 mg every 8 hours, or double the dose for severe infections

• Children (up to 10 years): 125–250 mg every 8 hours, or double the dose for severe infections

For injection/infusion therapy

• Intramuscular injection:
  

  • Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours

  • Children: 50-100 mg/kg body weight daily, divided into doses

• Intravenous injection or IV infusion:
  

  • Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours, up to 1 g every 6 hours for severe infections

  • Children: 50-100 mg/day, divided into doses

The duration of therapy depends on the infection you have, your medical condition, and how well you respond to treatments. It is crucial to complete the prescribed dose, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the antibiotic treatments earlier than the prescribed doses can cause the bacteria to come back, and cause a recurrence of the infection.

Safety

Amoxicillin can reduce the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Inform your doctor if you are taking amoxicillin before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations.

During pregnancy, amoxicillin should be used only if necessary. Additionally, it is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Changes in Amoxicillin Serum Levels

When amoxicillin is taken with probenecid (one of the medication to lower uric acid levels), the interactions of probenecid with amoxicillin can increase the amoxicillin serum levels, which may raise the risk of side effects.

Amoxicillin’s effectiveness may be reduced when taken with other antibiotics such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol, macrolides, or sulfonamides.

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