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Amoxicillin

About amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic.

It's used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia), dental abscesses and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

It's used in children, often to treat ear infections and chest infections.

The medicine is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules or as a liquid that you drink. It's also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

Key facts

  • For most infections, you'll start to feel better in a few days.
  • The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.
  • Liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth. This doesn't last and is removed by brushing.
  • You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
  • Amoxicillin is also called by the brand name Amoxil.

Who can and cannot take amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can be taken by adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Amoxicillin can be taken by children.

Recommended reading

Giving amoxicillin to children: information on Medicines for Children website

Amoxicillin isn't suitable for some people. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin or any other medicines in the past
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations

How and when to take it

The usual dose of amoxicillin is 250mg to 500mg taken 3 times a day. The dose may be lower for children.

Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, this could be first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon and at bedtime.

You can take amoxicillin before or after food.

Important

Carry on taking this medicine until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.

How to take it

Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.

Amoxicillin is available as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

If you or your child are taking amoxicillin as a liquid, it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose.

If you don't have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

What if I take too much?

Accidentally taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to harm you or your child.

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or you take more than 1 extra dose.

Side effects

Like all medicines, amoxicillin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in around 1 in 10 people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • diarrhoea

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor straight away if you get:

  • diarrhoea (possibly with stomach cramps) that contains blood or mucus. If you have severe diarrhoea for more than 4 days you should also speak to a doctor
  • pale poo with dark pee, yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (warning signs of liver or gallbladder problems)
  • bruising or skin discolouration
  • joint or muscle pain that comes on after 2 days of taking the medicine
  • a skin rash with circular red patches

Some of these serious side effects can happen up to 2 months after finishing the amoxicillin.

Serious allergic reaction

Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and can take the form of:

  • a raised, itchy skin rash
  • coughing
  • wheezing

Mild allergic reactions can usually be successfully treated by taking antihistamines.

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of amoxicillin. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

  • feeling sick (nausea) - stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your amoxicillin after a meal or snack.
  • diarrhoea - drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It's usually safe to take amoxicillin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

For more information about how amoxicillin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, read this leaflet on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that don't mix well with amoxicillin.

Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start taking amoxicillin:

  • methotrexate
  • a blood thinner called warfarin
  • gout medicines called probenecid and allopurinol
  • other antibiotics

Mixing amoxicillin with herbal remedies and supplements

There are no known problems with taking herbal remedies and supplements alongside amoxicillin.

Common questions

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693 public posts

Amoxicillin

Does Amoxicillin affect your defibrillator ❤️
Does Amoxicillin affect your defibrillator ❤️
Gillymaccy
in British Heart Foundation

Amoxicillin study

https://copdnewstoday.com/2021/01/19/amoxicillin-alone-better-in-treating-acute-copd-exacerbations-than-amoxicillin-plus-clavulanic-acid-danish-study-shows/
https://copdnewstoday.com/2021/01/19/amoxicillin-alone-better-in-treating-acute-copd-exacerbations-than-amoxicillin-plus-clavulanic-acid-danish-study-shows/
Elpojohn
in British Lung Foundation

Amoxicillin and diarrhoea

diarrhoea but continue to take Amoxicillin dose?
diarrhoea but continue to take Amoxicillin dose?
AMerchant
in IBS Network
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Prednisolone

Hi, I am fairly new here, but posted earlier that I was diagnosed 4 years ago following a ct scan, I am on rescue pack Amoxicillin.
Hi, I am fairly new here, but posted earlier that I was diagnosed 4 years ago following a ct scan, I am on rescue pack Amoxicillin.
Samye
in British Lung Foundation

Amoxicillin and Flecainide / tooth infection = afib ?

In a nutshell I went to visit the dentist with tooth ache 3 days ago - he said it's an infection and has put me on Amoxicillin for a week. This contains penicillin. I can't find any interaction with flec and Amoxicillin online.
In a nutshell I went to visit the dentist with tooth ache 3 days ago - he said it's an infection and has put me on Amoxicillin for a week. This contains penicillin. I can't find any interaction with flec and Amoxicillin online.
Paulbounce
in AF Association

Clearing of lungs after Bronchiestasis infection

Hi, this is going to make me sound really stupid, but I would like some advice on lung clearance, I was diagnosed with Bronchiestasis 4 years ago, and have had 3 infections in 3 months , seems to be clearing now with amoxicillin and prednisolone.
Hi, this is going to make me sound really stupid, but I would like some advice on lung clearance, I was diagnosed with Bronchiestasis 4 years ago, and have had 3 infections in 3 months , seems to be clearing now with amoxicillin and prednisolone.
Samye
in British Lung Foundation

Dry and swell on foreskin

My GP prescribed with amoxicillin, pepain, and cetirizine. 4 days in and it’s not very effective. The swelling is mostly visible after an erection with redness https://www.flickr.com/photos/191137921@N02/?
My GP prescribed with amoxicillin, pepain, and cetirizine. 4 days in and it’s not very effective. The swelling is mostly visible after an erection with redness https://www.flickr.com/photos/191137921@N02/?
Calvin_Adams
in Men's Health Forum (Penis Health)

Back pain/ infection

The doctors have given me amoxicillin the weakest antibiotic. It hasn’t worked and my pain is worse. Has anyone else had an infection and pain in the bottom of the lung that is like being stabbed in the back?
The doctors have given me amoxicillin the weakest antibiotic. It hasn’t worked and my pain is worse. Has anyone else had an infection and pain in the bottom of the lung that is like being stabbed in the back?
RavenDove
in British Lung Foundation

Taking Amoxicillin after cataract surgery

I have COPD and have Amoxycillin to take if I get a tight chest. I had cataract surgery a week or so ago, is it ok to take Amoxycillin after that? Could it cause any complications?
I have COPD and have Amoxycillin to take if I get a tight chest. I had cataract surgery a week or so ago, is it ok to take Amoxycillin after that? Could it cause any complications?
Lemog
in Men's Health Forum

Amoxicillin and methotrexate

Hi everyone I cant seem to get through to my rheumy at the moment but thought I would just ask anyway, I have been on amoxicillin for dental work and finish this Saturday and my usual methotrexate shot is Sunday night.
Hi everyone I cant seem to get through to my rheumy at the moment but thought I would just ask anyway, I have been on amoxicillin for dental work and finish this Saturday and my usual methotrexate shot is Sunday night.
Frankiefocus
in NRAS

Fatty liver and amoxicillin

Was at clinic and told I have ear infection and got script for amoxicillin yo take twice a day for 20 days. I’m very concerned it will cause damage to the liver. Help!
Was at clinic and told I have ear infection and got script for amoxicillin yo take twice a day for 20 days. I’m very concerned it will cause damage to the liver. Help!
Pyewacket1951
in Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

Has Anyone on Tecfidera Received the COVID Vaccine?

In addition to being on Tecfidera, I also have a medicinal allergy (allergic to all "-cillins": Amoxicillin, Penicillin, etc.). So, that throws another wrench in things because there is the possibility of a bad reaction when someone has a medicinal allergy.
In addition to being on Tecfidera, I also have a medicinal allergy (allergic to all "-cillins": Amoxicillin, Penicillin, etc.). So, that throws another wrench in things because there is the possibility of a bad reaction when someone has a medicinal allergy.
CJasmin
in My MSAA Community

Ongoing infections and asthma

I've had 3 courses of steroids since November, doxycycline twice, azithromycin once and now on amoxicillin. I have several nose bleeds from my sinuses.
I've had 3 courses of steroids since November, doxycycline twice, azithromycin once and now on amoxicillin. I have several nose bleeds from my sinuses.
4127
in Asthma UK community forum

Blocked Inflamed Sinus. Can anybody help and advise

The doctor has now prescribed amoxicillin 3 a day for 5 days. For the last 4 days I have hade a really miserable pain on the right side of my face for which I have been taking paracetamol. Why is it lasting so long and why is the inflammation so severe? Any advice would be so helpful.
The doctor has now prescribed amoxicillin 3 a day for 5 days. For the last 4 days I have hade a really miserable pain on the right side of my face for which I have been taking paracetamol. Why is it lasting so long and why is the inflammation so severe? Any advice would be so helpful.
birdwatcher
in EFA

? Sinusitis

In March I had a dose of amoxicillin and a steroid nasal spray, which help a bit. But the last 6 months I’ve been having constant blocked nose at night especially. The only helping to unblocked my nose is the Sudafed sinus ease.
In March I had a dose of amoxicillin and a steroid nasal spray, which help a bit. But the last 6 months I’ve been having constant blocked nose at night especially. The only helping to unblocked my nose is the Sudafed sinus ease.
Sezvic
in LUPUS UK

Have multiple allergies so can't get vaccine

Really worried, I am 71, have RA and Intersitial lung disease so at very high risk for covid. however I have been told that since i once had an anaphylactic reacion to Diamorphine ( administered in a hospital setting 45 years ago), and have since shown milder allergies to antibiotics, (Penicillin , Amoxicillin
Really worried, I am 71, have RA and Intersitial lung disease so at very high risk for covid. however I have been told that since i once had an anaphylactic reacion to Diamorphine ( administered in a hospital setting 45 years ago), and have since shown milder allergies to antibiotics, (Penicillin , Amoxicillin
HilaryWB
in NRAS

Primrose123

I have asthma & bronchiectass & I am currently awaiting to see a specialist,I have recently had sputum & chest xray which were all clear, & also a blood test which results were that I have very severe allergy levels I have just finished 5 day course of prednisolone + 14 day course of amoxicillin early
I have asthma & bronchiectass & I am currently awaiting to see a specialist,I have recently had sputum & chest xray which were all clear, & also a blood test which results were that I have very severe allergy levels I have just finished 5 day course of prednisolone + 14 day course of amoxicillin early
primrose123
in Asthma UK community forum

Abnormal discharge

I recently finished my 7 day antibiotic medicine for a stomach infection I had, they prescribed me with Amoxicillin 500g ( I had to take 2 capsules twice a day) & clarithromycin 500g ( I had to take 1 capsule twice a day).
I recently finished my 7 day antibiotic medicine for a stomach infection I had, they prescribed me with Amoxicillin 500g ( I had to take 2 capsules twice a day) & clarithromycin 500g ( I had to take 1 capsule twice a day).
Ceemulann
in BASHH

H Pylori - worried

I've taken amoxicillin before for a different issue and I had really bad diarrhoea with it, so I know it's going to be a long week. I have to take 4 amoxicillin, 2 clarithromycin and 2 lansoprazole a day (so 8 in total!!😳) but I have no clue when to take them during the day.
I've taken amoxicillin before for a different issue and I had really bad diarrhoea with it, so I know it's going to be a long week. I have to take 4 amoxicillin, 2 clarithromycin and 2 lansoprazole a day (so 8 in total!!😳) but I have no clue when to take them during the day.
mdox
in IBS Network

How to access help?

GP just gives me prednisone and Amoxicillin for exacerbations, no other help. Is this right? My quality of life has dropped significantly I can barely walk places yet GP says I should just ask for lifts places. 2 hospital stays in 2 months, just get given nebuliser and sent on my way.
GP just gives me prednisone and Amoxicillin for exacerbations, no other help. Is this right? My quality of life has dropped significantly I can barely walk places yet GP says I should just ask for lifts places. 2 hospital stays in 2 months, just get given nebuliser and sent on my way.
Multisnarf
in Bronchiectasis Support
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