Highlights:
- Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that treats a broad range of bacterial infections.
- Most people can safely take amoxicillin, but it may not be suitable for certain groups of people.
- Amoxicillin is available in multiple formulas, including tablets, capsules, liquid, and injection.
Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic used to treat multiple bacterial infections. As a penicillin antibiotic, it kills bacteria by preventing them from reforming cell walls. Usually, amoxicillin is taken by mouth, but it’s also available as a liquid suspension or in injection form for people who can’t swallow pills.
Most people can safely take amoxicillin, but how you use it can depend on factors like your age, weight, ongoing health concerns, and the condition being treated. Having a better understanding of amoxicillin and how it works can help you maximize the drug’s efficacy and minimize side effects.
What Is Amoxicillin and What Is It Used For?
As a member of the penicillin class of antibiotics, amoxicillin can combat a range of infections, from urinary tract infections to ear infections and even those mild dental troubles. As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it’s often a go-to treatment when the cause of infection isn’t clear.
The creation of amoxicillin began in 1928 following the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. This chance encounter paved the way for the development of amoxicillin, a more resilient derivative of penicillin that would later revolutionize the medical world.
In 1974, amoxicillin received the coveted stamp of approval from the FDA. From that point onward, its popularity skyrocketed, cementing its status as one of the most prescribed antibiotics across the globe.
While amoxicillin’s primary purpose is to combat bacterial infections, it’s also used to eradicate the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (commonly known as H. pylori) in people with ulcers.
Surgeons and dentists also use amoxicillin during surgical and oral procedures to prevent endocarditis in individuals at high risk.
How Does Amoxicillin Work?
As a member of the penicillin drug class, amoxicillin’s mechanism of action is simple yet effective.
Bacteria usually rely on their cell walls as protective fortresses that shield them from harm. Amoxicillin prevents cell walls from forming, leaving bacteria vulnerable and unable to reproduce.
What Formulas Are Available for Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin comes in several formulas, making it accessible for most people.
Those formulations include:
- Short-acting. Short-acting amoxicillin releases into the body quickly, allowing it to work faster. However, it may require multiple doses throughout the day to remain effective.
- Long-acting. Long-acting amoxicillin requires fewer doses, but the exact number of doses will vary. For example, some long-acting amoxicillin formulations may require three doses per day, while others may only require one dose per day. Long-acting penicillin doesn’t act as quickly as short-acting formulations.
- Oral tablets. Oral tablets are the most common form of amoxicillin.
- Capsules. Capsules are less common, but like oral tablets users take them with water.
- Liquid. Amoxicillin oral-suspension is ideal for children and anyone who can’t swallow tablets.
- Injection. Injection amoxicillin is usually given by a healthcare professional to anyone who can’t swallow tablets or liquid.
Amoxicillin Dosage and Administration
Amoxicillin’s recommended doses vary according to the infection and the age of the patient. When prescribed for children, doses are calculated per kilogram of bodyweight.
Note that these are typical examples only; dosages can vary depending on the patient’s age and weight and the severity of the infection. Always take medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
How Should I Take Amoxicillin?
There are ways to take amoxicillin to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible. Top tips include:
- Read the label carefully. Depending on your condition, you may need to take amoxicillin at certain intervals to enhance its efficacy.
- Take the medication at the same time. Taking your medication at the same time each day can reduce side effects and make it more effective. Try setting an alarm on your phone as a reminder.
- Always complete the course. You may find that some symptoms subside before you’re due to finish your course of antibiotics. However, to prevent the infection from recurring, you should always finish the entire course.
- Shake oral suspensions. If you’re taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle each time you take it.
- Avoid overuse. Overusing amoxicillin may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Around 2.8 million antibiotic resistant infections develop in the U.S. every year, so it’s important to only take them when necessary.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Amoxicillin?
Some potential common side effects of amoxicillin include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Rash
- Headache
- Vaginal yeast infection
Less common side effects of amoxicillin include:
- Allergic reaction
- Seizures
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Bone marrow suppression
- Steven’s Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
If any of your side effects cause concern, or if you notice any new or unusual symptoms, speak to a medical professional.
What Should I Avoid When Taking Amoxicillin?
Best practice is to avoid the following when taking amoxicillin:
- Alcohol. Alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects, including diarrhea and nausea.
- Grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can affect the way your body absorbs amoxicillin.
- Medications. Certain medications interact with amoxicillin in an adverse way; see the list below.
Are There any Potential Drug Interactions With Amoxicillin?
They include warfarin and methotrexate. Always advise your doctor of any ongoing medications before starting amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin can potentially interact with several drugs, altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some examples of drug classes and specific drugs that may interact with amoxicillin:
- Probenecid: Probenecid can increase the levels of amoxicillin in the blood by reducing the amount your body excretes. This interaction can lead to higher concentrations of amoxicillin and increase the risk of side effects.
- Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may decrease the excretion of methotrexate, leading to increased levels of methotrexate in the body. This interaction can potentially enhance the toxicity of methotrexate.
- Allopurinol: Concurrent use of amoxicillin and allopurinol may increase the risk of developing a skin rash. This reaction is more common in patients with kidney impairment.
- Oral contraceptives: Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills by interfering with the bacteria in the gut and reducing estrogen reabsorption. If you’re on the pill, consider a secondary form of birth control, such as condoms or alternative methods, during treatment with amoxicillin.
- Warfarin: Amoxicillin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin by interfering with gut bacteria and potentially inhibiting the metabolism of warfarin. Close monitoring of prothrombin time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR) is important to prevent excessive bleeding.
- Tetracyclines: Using amoxicillin and tetracycline antibiotics together may reduce the effectiveness of both drugs. If you’re taking both of these medications, take them at different times to avoid the interaction.
- Methotrexate, aminoglycosides, and other drugs that can be toxic to the kidneys: When used with these medications, amoxicillin can increase the risk of kidney damage. Your doctor will want to closely monitor your kidney function.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other drugs or specific circumstances that can interact with amoxicillin. Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist who has access to your complete medication history for personalized advice regarding potential drug interactions.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Amoxicillin?
If you miss a dose of amoxicillin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking extra doses without your doctor’s guidance.
What Should I Do If I Overdose on Amoxicillin?
- Call 911: Dial the emergency helpline in your country or region right away. Inform them about the suspected amoxicillin overdose and follow their instructions.
- Do not induce vomiting: Unless directed by a healthcare professional or poison control center, do not induce vomiting as a response to the overdose. Vomiting may not effectively remove amoxicillin from the body and could cause further complications.
- Provide information: When speaking to emergency services or healthcare professionals, provide accurate information about the amount and time of amoxicillin ingestion, as well as any symptoms or reactions observed.
- Seek medical evaluation: Once you reach a healthcare facility, you will likely undergo a medical evaluation. This may involve monitoring vital signs, conducting blood tests, and assessing symptoms to determine the severity of the overdose and the appropriate course of action.
- Follow medical advice: Follow the instructions and treatment plan of your provider. Treatment for amoxicillin overdose may involve measures to remove the drug from the body, supportive care, and addressing any complications or symptoms that arise.
Who Should Not Take Amoxicillin?
While amoxicillin is safe for most people, certain groups should avoid taking it or use caution while taking the medication.
These groups include:
- People with a penicillin allergy. If you have a penicillin allergy or you’ve had an allergic reaction to other drugs in the penicillin family, you shouldn’t take amoxicillin.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Your doctor will need to assess whether it’s safe for you to take amoxicillin if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Individuals with liver or kidney problems. Because amoxicillin can interfere with metabolism or elimination of amoxicillin from the body — functions of your liver and kidneys — your doctor may need to monitor you closely or find an alternative medication for you to take.
- Warfarin users. Amoxicillin can interact with warfarin, so the decision to use both medications together should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional, as adjustments in warfarin dosage and close monitoring may be necessary.
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