Amoxicillin (Moxatag, Amoxil) is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may be used to treat:
- Tonsils (tonsillitis)
- Throat (such as strep throat)
- Nose (bacterial sinusitis)
- Larynx (laryngitis)
- Middle ear infections (otitis media)
- Lungs (bacterial pneumonia)
- Bronchi (bronchitis)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Dental infections such as gum disease (periodontitis)
- Skin infections
- Gonorrhea
- Lyme disease
- H. pylori infections (the bacteria that can trigger stomach ulcers)
- Anthrax exposure
Amoxicillin is not effective against viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza (the flu), or COVID-19.
Amoxicillin starts working immediately against the bacteria causing the infection, though symptoms will not improve right away. People usually start to feel better within a few days after starting the medication, and it can take up to four to five days for symptoms to improve.
How Does Amoxicillin Work?
A commonly used antibiotic, amoxicillin works to stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall.
Amoxicillin is effective against many different bacteria, including:
What Is the Dosage for Amoxicillin?
- Amoxicillin is available as a capsule, tablet, or a liquid suspension.
- The dose of amoxicillin for adults, teenagers, and children who weigh more than 88 pounds is 250-500 mg taken every eight hours, or 500-875 mg every 12 hours.
- The pediatric dose of amoxicillin for children typically ranges from 40 to 90 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into 2-3 doses per day.
- A typical course of treatment with amoxicillin is 5 to 10 days, and you should complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better before it’s completed.
What Are Side Effects of Amoxicillin?
Side effects of amoxicillin include:
What Are Drug Interactions of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin may interact with:
- Chloramphenicol
- Combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives
- Macrolide antibiotics
- Probenecid
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
- Tetracycline antibiotics
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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/050542s24,050754s11,050760s10,050761s10lbl.pdf
https://www.khealth.com/learn/antibiotics/how-long-does-it-take-for-amoxicillin-to-work/