Uses
What the official label says Amoxicillin is used for
The FDA label for Amoxicillin states:
Adults and Pediatric Patients Upper Respiratory Tract Infections of the Ear, Nose, and Throat: Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Streptococcus species. (α-and β-hemolytic isolates only), Streptococcus pneumoniae , Staphylococcus spp., or Haemophilus influenzae . Infections of the Genitourinary Tract : Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis , or Enterococcus faecalis . …
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
Adults and Pediatric Patients Upper Respiratory Tract Infections of the Ear, Nose, and Throat: Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Streptococcus species. (α-and β-hemolytic isolates only), Streptococcus pneumoniae , Staphylococcus spp., or Haemophilus influenzae . Infections of the Genitourinary Tract : Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis , or Enterococcus faecalis . Infections of the Skin and Skin Structure: Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Streptococcus spp. (α-and β-hemolytic isolates only), Staphylococcus spp., or E. coli . Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract: Amoxicillin is indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible (ONLY β-lactamase–negative) isolates of Streptococcus spp. (α-and β-hemolytic isolates only), S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus spp., or H. influenzae . Adults Patients only Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease : Triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with clarithromycin and lansoprazole : Amoxicillin, in combination with clarithromycin plus lansoprazole as triple therapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) to eradicate H. pylori . Eradication of H. pylori has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Dual therapy for H. pylori with lansoprazole : Amoxicillin, in combination with lansoprazole delayed-release capsules as dual therapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer disease (active or 1-year history of a duodenal ulcer) who are either allergic or intolerant to clarithromycin or in whom resistance to clarithromycin is known or suspected . (See the clarithromycin package insert, MICROBIOLOGY.) Eradication of H. pylori has been shown to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Amoxicillin and other antibacterial drugs, Amoxicillin should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. AMOXICILLIN is a penicillin-class antibacterial indicated for treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of designated microorganisms.( 1 ) Adults and Pediatric Patients (1) Upper Respirtory Tract Infections of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections of the Genitourinary Tract Infections of the Skin and Skin Structure Infections of the Lower Respiratory Tract Adults Patients only (1) Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease Usage : To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of amoxicillin and other antibacterial drugs, amoxicillin should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria. ( 1 )
Names & forms
Brand names, forms and strengths
Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Amoxi Drop, Amoxi-tabs, Biomox, Moxatag, Trimox.
Generic name: amoxicillin · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 723
| Form | Strengths listed in RxNorm |
|---|---|
| Chewable Tablet | 125 MG, 250 MG, 400 MG |
| Extended Release Oral Tablet | 775 MG |
| Oral Capsule | 250 MG, 500 MG |
| Oral Suspension | 25 MG/ML, 40 MG/ML, 50 MG/ML, 60 MG/ML, 80 MG/ML, 100 MG/ML |
| Oral Tablet | 50 MG, 100 MG, 150 MG, 200 MG, 400 MG, 500 MG, 875 MG |
Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.
Read the label's “Dosage forms and strengths” section (verbatim)
Amoxicillin: Tablets : 500 mg, 875 mg. Each tablet contains 500 mg or 875 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each film-coated, capsule-shaped, pink tablet is debossed with AMOXIL centered over 500 or 875, respectively. The 875-mg tablet is scored on the reverse side. For Oral Suspension: 200 mg/5 mL, 400 mg/5 mL. Each 5 mL of reconstituted bubble-gum flavored suspension contains 200 mg or 400 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Chewable Tablets: 125 mg – Each 125 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 125 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, oval tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL on one side and 125 on the other. 200 mg – Each 200 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 200 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, round convex tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL and 200 along the edge of 1 side. 250 mg – Each 250 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 250 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, oval tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL on one side and 250 on the other. 400 mg – Each 400 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 400 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, round convex tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL and 400 along the edge of 1 side. Tablets: 500 mg, 875 mg ( 3 ) For Oral Suspension: 200 mg/5 mL, 400 mg/5 mL ( 3 ) Chewable Tablets:125 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg ( 3 )
Appearance
What Amoxicillin looks like
amoxicillin 500 mg
American Health Packaging
amoxicillin 875 mg
American Health Packaging
amoxicillin 500 mg
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
amoxicillin 500 mg
REMEDYREPACK INC.
| Strength | Form | Colour | Shape | Size | Imprint | Score | Labeler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| amoxicillin 400 mg per 5 mL | for suspension | white“white to off-white” | — | — | — | — | USAntibiotics, LLC |
| amoxicillin 500 mg | tablet, film coated | pink | oval | 18 mm | A · 66 | 1 | American Health Packaging |
| amoxicillin 875 mg | tablet, film coated | pink | oval | 21 mm | A · 6 · 7 | 2 | American Health Packaging |
| amoxicillin 500 mg | capsule | white | capsule | 20 mm | — | 1 | Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. |
| amoxicillin 500 mg | capsule | bluepink“pink opaque body” | capsule | 23 mm | Amoxil · 500 | 1 | REMEDYREPACK INC. |
From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Amoxicillin, so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.
Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
A moxicillin tablets, USP: Each tablet contains 500 mg or 875 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each film-coated, capsule-shaped, pink tablet is debossed with AMOXIL centered over 500 or 875 on one side, respectively. The 875 mg tablet is scored on the reverse side. 500 mg Tablet NDC 81964-224-01 Bottles of 100 NDC 81964-224-05 Bottles of 500 NDC 81964-224-14 Bottles of 20 875 mg Tablet NDC 81964-219-01 Bottles of 100 NDC 81964-219-14 Bottles of 20 A moxicillin for oral suspension, USP : Each 5 mL of reconstituted bubble-gum-flavored suspension contains 200 mg or 400 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate. The powder for each strength is white to off-white in color and white to off-white when the product is reconstituted. 200 mg/5 mL NDC 81964-223-50 50-mL bottle NDC 81964-223-51 75-mL bottle NDC 81964-223-52 100-mL bottle 400 mg/5 mL NDC 81964-207-50 50-mL bottle NDC 81964-207-51 75-mL bottle NDC 81964-207-52 100-mL bottle A moxicillin chewable tablets: USP: 125 mg – Each 125 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 125 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, oval tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL on one side and 125 on the other. 200 mg – Each 200 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 200 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, round convex tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL and 200 along the edge of 1 side. 250 mg – Each 250 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 250 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, oval tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL on one side and 250 on the other. 400 mg – Each 400 mg cherry-banana-peppermint flavored tablet contains 400 mg of amoxicillin as the trihydrate. Each pale pink, round convex tablet is imprinted with AMOXIL and 400 along the edge of 1 side. 125 mg chewable tablets NDC 81964-226-60 Bottles of 60 NDC 81964-226-01 Bottles of 100 200 mg chewable tablets NDC 81964-228-14 Unit dose (4 x 5) 20 chewable tablets 250 mg chewable tablets NDC 81964-227-30 Bottles of 30 NDC 81964-227-01 Bottles of 100 400 mg chewable tablets NDC 81964-229-14 Unit dose (4 x 5) 20 chewable tablets NDC 81964-229-01 Bottles of 100 Store at or below 25° C (77° F) . Dispense in a tight container.
Safety
Important warnings for Amoxicillin
Anaphylactic reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy, including amoxicillin. Discontinue Amoxicillin if a reaction occurs ( 5.1 ). Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR): Monitor closely. Discontinue if rash progresses. ( 5.2 ) Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) has been reported with amoxicillin use. If this occurs, discontinue Amoxicillin and institute appropriate therapy. …
Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
AMOXIL is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to AMOXIL or to other β-lactam antibacterial drugs (e.g., penicillins and cephalosporins). History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to Amoxicillin or to other beta-lactams (e.g., penicillins or cephalosporins). ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Anaphylactic reactions: Serious and occasionally fatal anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy, including amoxicillin. Discontinue Amoxicillin if a reaction occurs ( 5.1 ). Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR): Monitor closely. Discontinue if rash progresses. ( 5.2 ) Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) has been reported with amoxicillin use. If this occurs, discontinue Amoxicillin and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.3 ) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD)(ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis): Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Anaphylactic Reactions Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy including amoxicillin. Although anaphylaxis is more frequent following parenteral therapy, it has occurred in patients on oral penicillins. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe reactions when treated with cephalosporins. Before initiating therapy with amoxicillin, careful inquiry should be made regarding previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, amoxicillin should be discontinued, and appropriate therapy instituted. 5.2 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Amoxicillin may cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). If patients develop skin rash they should be monitored closely, and amoxicillin discontinued if lesions progress. 5.3 Drug-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (DIES) Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) has been reported with amoxicillin use [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] , with most cases occurring in pediatric patients < 18 years of age. DIES is a non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity reaction characterized by protracted vomiting occurring 1 to 4 hours after drug ingestion in the absence of skin or respiratory symptoms. DIES may be associated with pallor, lethargy, hypotension, shock, diarrhea within 24 hours after ingesting amoxicillin, and leukocytosis with neutrophilia. If DIES occurs, discontinue Amoxicillin and institute appropriate therapy. 5.4 Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Clostridioides difficile- associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including amoxicillin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated. 5.5 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing amoxicillin in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria. 5.6 Skin Rash in Patients with Mononucleosis A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who receive amoxicillin develop an erythematous skin rash. Thus, amoxicillin should not be administered to patients with mononucleosis. 5.7 Phenylketonurics Aamoxicillin chewable tablets contain aspartame which contains phenylalanine. Each 200 mg chewable tablet contains 1.82 mg phenylalanine; each 400 mg chewable tablet contains 3.64 mg phenylalanine. The oral suspension formulations of Amoxicillin do not contain phenylalanine and can be used by phenylketonurics.
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Anaphylactic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Drug-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (DIES) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Clostridioides difficile -Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions (greater than 1%) observed in clinical trials of amoxicillin tablets or oral suspension were diarrhea, rash, vomiting, and nausea. …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
Co-administration with probenicid is not recommended. ( 7.1 ) Concomitant use of amoxicillin and oral anticoagulants may increase the prolongation of prothrombin time. ( 7.2 ) Co-administration with allopurinol increases the risk of rash. ( 7.3 ) Amoxicillin may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Probenecid Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin. Concurrent use of amoxicillin and probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin. 7.2 Oral Anticoagulants Abnormal prolongation of prothrombin time (increased international normalized ratio [INR]) has been reported in patients receiving amoxicillin and oral anticoagulants. Appropriate monitoring should be undertaken when anticoagulants are prescribed concurrently. …
This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.
Resources
If you were hurt at work
Whether a medicine is right for you is a decision for your prescriber. If you were injured on the job, these educational guides explain the next steps and who can help.
- Injured at work? →What to do after a workplace injury and how workers' comp generally works.
- Prescription home delivery →How mail-order pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to your door.
- Find help →Connect with workers' comp attorneys and doctors who take work-injury cases.
- Pharmacies near you →Search local pharmacies by ZIP code.