Amoxicillin

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    About this medicine

    Generic name Amoxicillin
    Active ingredients Amoxicillin
    Brand names (as verified) Amoxil; Mox (brand availability varies by market)
    Dosage form Capsule
    Strength Common capsule strengths include 250 mg and 500 mg; oral liquids and other strengths are product-specific.
    Prescription classification Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
    Approved routes of administration Oral
    Applies to IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction

    Approved indications

    • A penicillin-family antibiotic used for selected bacterial infections when the organism is expected or shown to be susceptible. It may be part of a combination regimen for Helicobacter pylori. It does not treat viral illnesses such as common colds or influenza.

    Contraindications (do not use if…)

    • Do not use in a person with a serious immediate allergy to amoxicillin or other penicillin antibiotics. Previous severe beta-lactam reactions require clinician review.

    Important precautions

    • Use only when prescribed for the current infection, and follow the prescribed course. Kidney impairment may affect product selection or dosing. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine; seek advice for persistent symptoms or severe diarrhoea.

    Common side effects

    • Possible effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and rash.

    Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care

    • Emergency concerns include anaphylaxis, swelling or breathing difficulty, severe blistering or peeling rash, and severe or persistent diarrhoea that may occur even after treatment has ended.

    Important interactions

    • Important interactions may include warfarin and other anticoagulants, methotrexate, probenecid and allopurinol. A clinician or pharmacist should review concurrent medicines.

    Allergy considerations

    • Penicillin allergy must be clearly documented. Do not take after a serious prior reaction to amoxicillin or another penicillin unless a specialist has assessed the risk.

    Pregnancy and lactation

    Pregnancy safety Use with caution — see notes
    Notes
    • A clinician should confirm that the antibiotic is appropriate for the infection during pregnancy and select a suitable regimen. Do not self-start leftover antibiotics.

    Information

    Lactation safety Use with caution — see notes
    Notes
    • Often used when clinically indicated, but seek professional advice. Watch for possible infant diarrhoea, rash or feeding changes and report concerns.

    Children and older adults

    • Paediatric use requires age- and weight-appropriate formulation and clinician-directed dosing. Check renal function and formulation instructions where relevant.

    Storage

    • Store capsules in original packaging under the conditions printed on the pack. Liquid suspensions have specific storage and discard-after-opening rules; follow the pharmacy label.

    Missed dose

    • Take the missed dose when remembered unless the next dose is near; do not double up. Ask a pharmacist if several doses have been missed.

    Overdose

    • Excess intake may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, crystalluria or kidney complications. Seek urgent medical advice if overdose is suspected.

    Based on 1 cited source. Sources last checked on 2026-10-28.

    This page is general information, not personal advice. Never change, start or stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

    References

    1. openFDA Drug Datasets — openFDA Drug Datasets source (Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))