How it is administered

Amoxicillin is available in several forms for oral administration, including tablets (chewable and film-coated), capsules, and oral suspensions. The medication is typically taken every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the prescribed dose and the type of infection being treated. It is recommended to take amoxicillin at the start of a meal to minimize stomach upset. Dosing for adults and children varies by weight and severity of infection. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing and duration.

How it works

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It does this by interfering with the bacteria's ability to form cell walls, which are essential for their survival. By inhibiting cell wall synthesis, amoxicillin causes the bacteria to break apart and die, helping to clear the infection from your body.

Amoxicillin is effective against a broad range of bacteria, including many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. However, some bacteria can resist amoxicillin by producing enzymes called beta-lactamases, which break down the antibiotic. For infections caused by these resistant bacteria, a combination of amoxicillin with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (such as clavulanate) may be used instead. Amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections.

Who Should take it

Amoxicillin is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those of the ear, nose, throat, skin, genitourinary tract, and lower respiratory tract. It is also used in combination with other medications to treat Helicobacter pylori infections associated with duodenal ulcers in adults.

For patients with blood cancers, such as Marginal Zone Lymphoma, amoxicillin may be used to treat or prevent bacterial infections if the immune system is weakened due to the disease or its treatment. However, it is not a treatment for the cancer itself, but rather for infections that may occur as a complication.

Who should not take it

You should not take amoxicillin if you have had a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to amoxicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics (like penicillins or cephalosporins). If you have a history of severe skin reactions or other hypersensitivity reactions to these medications, amoxicillin is contraindicated.

Additionally, patients with mononucleosis (mono) should avoid amoxicillin, as it can cause a high rate of skin rash. Always inform your healthcare provider of any allergies or previous reactions to antibiotics before starting amoxicillin.

Commonly used with

Amoxicillin may be used alone or in combination with other antibiotics or medications, depending on the type of infection. For example, it is often used with clarithromycin and lansoprazole to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. In some cases, it may be combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (such as clavulanate) to treat resistant bacterial infections.

Commonly tested with

Amoxicillin is commonly tested with other antibiotics such as clarithromycin and lansoprazole for the treatment of H. pylori infections. It may also be tested with beta-lactamase inhibitors, like clavulanate, to assess effectiveness against resistant bacteria. In clinical practice, susceptibility testing may be performed to ensure the bacteria causing the infection are sensitive to amoxicillin.