

Amoxicillin belongs to the group of medications known as antibiotics, specifically to the family of antibiotics known as penicillins. It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It kills some types of bacteria that can cause infections of the ear, sinus, chest or lung, bone, bladder, and throat.

It may also be used to kill some types of bacteria that can cause infection in the stomach or small intestine, chlamydia (in pregnant and breast-feeding women), lyme disease, or typhoid fever (in children). Amoxicillin may also be used for prevention of infections that can be caused by certain dental or medical procedures.




What form(s) does this medication come in?

The recommended adult dose of amoxicillin varies widely depending on the age group and the condition being treated, but the medication is usually taken 3 times daily, once every 8 hours. Amoxicillin can be taken with or without meals.

Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better. This will reduce the chance of the infection returning and being harder to treat.

For the liquid form of amoxicillin, use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.



Store the capsule and tablet forms of this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. The liquid form of amoxicillin may be stored for 7 days at room temperature or 14 days in the refrigerator. Safely discard any unused medication after this time.

How should I use this medication?

250 mg
Each maroon/yellow size "1" hard gelatin capsule, filled with white-to-off-white granular powder and imprinted with "A" on maroon cap and "85" on yellow body with black ink contains 286 mg of amoxicillin trihydrate equibalent to 250 mg amoxicillin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, microcrystalline, magnesium stearate; capsule shell: Brilliant Blue (E 133), Allura Red (E 129), erythrosine (E 127), iron oxide yellow (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), gelatin, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

500 mg
Each maroon/yellow size "0EL" hard gelatin capsule, filled with white-to-off-white granular powder and imprinted with "A" on maroon cap and "86" on yellow body with black ink, contains 573.394 mg of amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 500 mg of amoxicillin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, microcrystalline, magnesium stearate; capsule shell: Brilliant Blue (E 133), Allura Red (E 129), erythrosine (E 127), iron oxide yellow (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), gelatin, and sodium lauryl sulfate.


Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

  • are allergic to amoxicillin or any ingredients of the medication
  • are allergic to the class of antibiotics called cephalosporins
  • have or may have infectious mononucleosis

What side effects are possible with this medication?




  • abdominal pain (mild)
  • diarrhea (mild)
  • nausea
  • swollen tongue or black "hairy" tongue
  • trouble sleeping
  • vomiting



  • anxiety
  • skin rash, hives, or itching


  • convulsions (seizures)
  • diarrhea (watery and severe), which may also be bloody
  • symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or itchy skin rash)


Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?


Allergy: Amoxicillin is a penicillin and should not be used by anyone with a penicillin allergy or an allergy to the class of medications called cephalosporins. People who have allergies in general should watch carefully for any reaction to amoxicillin when starting a new prescription. In rare cases, some people may develop a serious allergic reaction to this medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Birth control: Penicillins may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Some doctors recommend adding another method of birth control for the rest of the cycle when penicillin is taken.

Diarrhea: This medication is associated a serious infection called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, caused by the bacteria C. difficile. This can occur even after your last dose of this medication. If you have severe diarrhea (with or without fever or blood) after taking amoxicillin, get medical attention as soon as possible.


Medical conditions: When amoxicillin is used by a person who has mononucleosis, acute lymphocytic leukemia (a type of cancer that affects white blood cells), or cytomegalovirus infection (a viral infection), a widespread rash may occur. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Overgrowth of organisms: Treatment with any penicillin may allow normal fungus or types of bacteria not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow, causing unwanted infections such as yeast infections, which may cause vaginal itching and irritation. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Pregnancy: This medication is generally considered safe in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, discuss with your doctor this risks and benefits of taking this medication. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking amoxicillin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between amoxicillin and any of the following:

  • allopurinol
  • BCG vaccine
  • birth control pills
  • fusidic acid
  • methotrexate
  • mycophenolate
  • probenecid
  • sodium picosulfate
  • tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, doxycycline)
  • typhoid vaccine
  • warfarin


  • stop taking one of the medications,
  • change one of the medications to another,
  • leave everything as is.


