Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin family. It treats infections caused by bacteria. It does not work on viruses such as the common cold or flu.
In Canada it is sold as generic products, including Apo-Amoxi and Novamoxin. It comes as capsules, chewable tablets and a liquid suspension. Amoxicillin is a prescription medicine and is not sold over the counter.
Amoxicillin needs a prescription. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health to ask whether it is appropriate for them. The doctor decides based on your health history. A prescription is not guaranteed.
Amoxicillin treats infections caused by bacteria that respond to it, in the:
- Ears, nose and throat (upper respiratory tract)
- Lungs and airways (lower respiratory tract), and the middle ear (acute otitis media)
- Urinary tract
- Skin and soft tissues
It is also used to help prevent a heart infection (bacterial endocarditis) in people with certain heart conditions who are having dental, mouth or upper airway procedures. Amoxicillin does not treat viral infections such as colds and flu.
Amoxicillin
Penicillin antibiotic
antibiotics
Prescription required
Available
How Amoxicillin Works
Amoxicillin kills bacteria. It only works against certain bacterial infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed, or not as directed, can lead to bacteria that the medicine no longer kills. This is called resistance.
Dosage Instructions of Amoxicillin
Your doctor sets your dose. It depends on the infection, your age, your weight and your kidney function. The usual doses in the Canadian product monograph are:
- Adults, for ear, nose, throat, urinary tract and skin infections: 250 mg every 8 hours
- Adults, for lower respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections and severe infections: 500 mg every 8 hours
- Children under 20 kg: 20 mg per kg of body weight a day, divided into doses every 8 hours. For lower respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections and severe infections, 40 mg per kg a day
- Children 20 kg and over: adult doses
- People with reduced kidney function need a lower dose
How to take it: take the capsules between meals with a full glass of water (250 mL). Measure the liquid with the syringe from your pharmacist. Treatment usually continues for at least 48 to 72 hours after your symptoms are gone, and for at least 10 days for strep infections. Take it for as long as your doctor prescribed.
Missed dose: do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Follow the directions on your label, or ask your pharmacist what to do.
Storage Instructions
Capsules and chewable tablets: store at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C. Liquid suspension: once the pharmacy has mixed it, it keeps for 7 days at room temperature or 14 days in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Follow the label on your own product and keep it out of the reach of children.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin
Common side effects are skin rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some children get tooth discolouration (brown, yellow or grey). Dizziness, anxiety and a dark, furry-looking tongue can also happen.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the eyes, nose or throat, trouble breathing or fainting
- A severe skin reaction: peeling, scaling or blistering skin, which may also affect your eyes, mouth, nose or genitals, sometimes with fever or a flu-like feeling
- Severe diarrhea (bloody or watery), with or without fever or stomach pain. This can be a bowel infection called C. difficile, which can start during treatment or 2 months or more after it
- Repeated vomiting 1 to 4 hours after a dose, with stomach pain, unusual drowsiness, diarrhea or low blood pressure
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes or dark urine (liver problems), blood in your urine (kidney problems), or a seizure
Important Safety Information About Amoxicillin
Allergy: do not take amoxicillin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic. Serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions and severe skin reactions have been reported. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any past reaction to an antibiotic.
Mononucleosis: do not take it if you have or may have infectious mononucleosis (mono). A widespread rash has been reported when amoxicillin is taken during mono.
Antibiotic resistance: amoxicillin treats only bacterial infections. Misuse or overuse can lead to bacteria that it no longer kills. Do not share your medicine.
Pregnancy: the safety of amoxicillin in pregnancy has not been established. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, so the benefits and risks can be weighed.
Breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, and ask how to feed your baby during treatment.
Kidney problems: the dose is lowered in line with how well your kidneys work.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take. The main interactions are:
- Probenecid: raises the level of amoxicillin in the blood and makes it last longer
- Methotrexate: its level in the blood can rise, with more risk of side effects
- Warfarin and other blood thinners taken by mouth: the INR (a blood clotting test) can rise, and the blood thinner dose may need to change
- Combined birth control pills (estrogen and progestin): they may work less well
- Tetracycline antibiotics: they may reduce how well amoxicillin kills bacteria
Brands & DIN Number of Amoxicillin
Brand Names
- Apo-Amoxi
- Novamoxin
Key Takeaways
- 1Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic for certain bacterial infections. It does not treat colds or flu.
- 2It is a prescription medicine in Canada and is not sold over the counter.
- 3Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to a penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic, or if you have infectious mononucleosis.
- 4The usual adult dose is 250 mg or 500 mg every 8 hours, depending on the infection. Children's doses are based on weight.
- 5Common side effects are rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea, a severe rash or signs of allergy need medical help right away.
- 6It can make combined birth control pills work less well, and it interacts with warfarin and methotrexate.
- 7BC residents can ask a BC-licensed doctor by phone whether amoxicillin is right for them. A prescription is not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is amoxicillin available over the counter in Canada?
How do I get amoxicillin in BC?
How much does amoxicillin cost in Canada?
Does amoxicillin treat colds or the flu?
What if I am allergic to penicillin?
Should I take amoxicillin with food?
Does amoxicillin affect birth control pills?
Can I stop early or save leftover amoxicillin for next time?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team