Amoxicillin | Medicines A-Z Directory

In this Article:

01: How does amoxicillin work? 02: What is amoxicillin used for? 03: Who can take amoxicillin? 04: How do you take amoxicillin? 05: What is the typical dosage of amoxicillin? 06: What do you do if you forget to take amoxicillin? 07: What do you do if you take too much amoxicillin? 08: What are the side effects of amoxicillin? 09: Medicines you can and can't take with amoxicillin 10: Frequently asked questions about amoxicillin 11: References

How does amoxicillin work?

It is effective against a variety of bacterial infections by slowing the production of bacterial cell walls, which ultimately leads to the killing of the bacteria[1][2].

What is amoxicillin used for?

Amoxicillin is prescribed to treat numerous bacterial infections, including:

Ear, nose, and throat infections (e.g., tonsillitis, pharyngitis)

Chest infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)

Urinary tract infections

Skin and soft tissue infections

Dental abscesses

Gastrointestinal infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori-related stomach ulcers)[1][3].

Who can take amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin can be taken by most people, including children and pregnant women, but it should be avoided by those who:

Are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, or cephalosporins

Have a history of severe allergic reactions to antibiotics

Have liver or kidney problems

Have infectious mononucleosis (due to risk of rash)[1][3][6].

How do you take amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is typically taken orally, either as a capsule, tablet, chewable tablet, or liquid suspension. It can be taken before or after food, up to 3 times a day depending on the prescription[1][3][7].

What is the typical dosage of amoxicillin?

Dosage varies based on the type and severity of the infection. The usual dose of amoxicillin capsules is 250mg to 500mg, taken 3 times a day. The dose may be lower for children. Amoxicillin liquid is available in 125mg and 250mg doses.[1]

What do you do if you forget to take amoxicillin?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses[11][12].

What do you do if you take too much amoxicillin?

Taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to affect you or your child, but you should contact your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned.

You should contact 111 for advice immediately if you have taken more than your prescribed amoxicillin dose and have symptoms like:

Stomach pain or vomiting

Blood in your urine

Difficulty peeing or producing less urine than normal

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to take you or call 999 for an ambulance. Make sure you bring the amoxicillin packet or leaflet with you, alongside any remaining medicine or other medicines you take[9][10].

What are the side effects of amoxicillin?

The most common side effects of amoxicillin will occur in more than 1 in 10 people. These include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Skin rash

Yeast infections (e.g., vulvovaginal candidiasis)[1][3][4].

Serious side effects occur in less than 1 in 1,000 people up to 2 months after finishing amoxicillin and can include:

Diarrhoea (sometimes with stomach cramps) containing blood or severe diarrhoea lasting more than 4 days

Pale poo and dark pee, and the yellowing of the whites of your eyes as a sign of liver issues

Bruising or changes in skin colour

Joint or muscle pain starting two days after taking the medicine

A skin rash with circular patches[1][4][5].

Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. In most cases, it’s mild and presents as a skin rash, which you can use antihistamines for. In rare cases, it can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

You should call 999 immediately if:

Your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue swell up

You’re experiencing breathing difficulties

Your throat feels tight or struggling to swallow

Your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale

You become confused, drowsy, or dizzy

Someone faints and can’t be woken

A child is limp, floppy, or not responding as normal

There’s a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling

Medicines you can and can't take with amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can interact with several medications, including:

Warfarin, a blood clot medicine

Allopurinol or probenecid for gout

Methotrexate, for arthritis and psoriasis

Certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, which can interfere with its effectiveness)[13][14].

Frequently asked questions about amoxicillin

How long does it take for amoxicillin to work?

For most infections, it should take a couple of days to work. You should complete your prescribed course of amoxicillin, even if you’re feeling better, to stop the infection returning[1].

What if I’m not getting better after a few days taking amoxicillin?

If you’re not seeing improvements after 3 days, you should tell your doctor so they can review your prescription. You should also tell them if you start to feel worse[1].

Does amoxicillin cause thrush?

Some people may get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics, like amoxicillin, but it’s not exclusive to this medication. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may have thrush.

Does amoxicillin affect contraception?

No, it does not stop any type of contraception from working.

However, if you vomit due to taking amoxicillin, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. If this happens, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Does amoxicillin affect fertility?

There’s no evidence that amoxicillin impacts fertility in either men or women.

Can you drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin?

It's generally safe, but alcohol can increase the risk of side effects like stomach upset[15].

Can I drive or ride a bike while taking amoxicillin?

Yes, it should not affect your ability to drive a car or ride a bike.

Does amoxicillin expire?

Yes, it should not be used past its expiration date[16].

Do I need to avoid any food or drink, including alcohol, while taking amoxicillin?

You can eat and drink, including alcohol, normally with amoxicillin.