Amoxicillin

Antibiotic — Aminopenicillin

Nigerian brand names:AmoxilWymoxTримоксBeecham AmoxicillinEmzor AmoxicillinRanmoxy

Reviewed by the PMC Medical Team · Promise Medical Centre

Overview

Amoxicillin is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics in Nigeria and worldwide. It belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics and works by preventing bacteria from building their cell walls, causing them to break down and die. Amoxicillin is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections and is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid (suspension) forms, making it practical for both adults and children. Like all antibiotics, amoxicillin is ineffective against viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. Misuse and overuse of amoxicillin — a very serious and growing problem in Nigeria — promotes antibiotic resistance.

Uses

Amoxicillin is prescribed for bacterial infections including: • Ear infections (otitis media) — particularly in children • Throat infections (streptococcal tonsillitis, pharyngitis) • Chest infections — community-acquired pneumonia (mild-to-moderate) • Sinus infections (acute bacterial sinusitis) • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) • Skin and soft tissue infections • Typhoid fever (in combination with other drugs where resistance is not an issue) • H. pylori eradication (peptic ulcer treatment) — always in combination with other drugs • Lyme disease • Dental infections • Prevention of endocarditis in dental procedures (in high-risk patients)

How to Use

Dosage depends on the type and severity of infection, age, and weight: Adults: • Standard dose: 250–500 mg three times daily (every 8 hours) for 5–10 days • For more severe infections: 500–875 mg two or three times daily Children: • Weight-based dosing: 25–90 mg/kg/day in divided doses depending on the condition • Liquid suspension is commonly used for children — shake well before each dose General rules: • Complete the FULL course of antibiotics as prescribed — even if you feel better after 2 or 3 days. Stopping early allows resistant bacteria to survive and reproduce. • Take with or without food (food may reduce stomach upset) • Space doses evenly throughout the day • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but do not double up doses

Side Effects

Common side effects: • Diarrhoea — very common; take probiotics or yoghurt to help maintain gut flora • Nausea and vomiting • Stomach cramps • Skin rash (common; distinguish from serious allergic reactions) Signs of serious allergic reaction (STOP and seek emergency care immediately): • Hives (itchy raised welts) spreading rapidly • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat • Difficulty breathing or swallowing • Dizziness and collapse • This is anaphylaxis — a life-threatening emergency Other rare effects: • Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhoea — severe, persistent, bloody diarrhoea; seek care • Liver inflammation (rare) • Fungal overgrowth — oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection (especially with prolonged use)

Warnings & Precautions

• Penicillin allergy: do NOT take amoxicillin if you have had a previous allergic reaction to penicillin or any other beta-lactam antibiotic (cephalosporins, carbapenems) — inform your doctor and pharmacist • Mononucleosis (glandular fever): amoxicillin commonly causes a widespread non-allergic rash in people with infectious mononucleosis — avoid if this diagnosis is possible • Kidney disease: dose reduction may be required in severe kidney impairment • Pregnancy: generally considered safe; inform your doctor • Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk; generally safe but monitor the infant for thrush or diarrhoea Antibiotics resistance warning: • Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor for a confirmed bacterial infection • Never share antibiotics or use leftover antibiotics for a new illness • Do not take antibiotics for viral infections (colds, flu, most sore throats) — they will not help and will promote resistance

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Drug Interactions

• Oral contraceptives: amoxicillin may slightly reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive pills — use additional contraception during treatment and for 7 days after finishing the course (note: current evidence for this interaction is weak but the precaution is still commonly advised) • Warfarin and other anticoagulants: amoxicillin can increase bleeding risk; monitor INR closely • Methotrexate: amoxicillin reduces methotrexate excretion, increasing toxicity risk • Allopurinol (gout treatment): increases the risk of skin rash when taken with amoxicillin • Other antibiotics: avoid concurrent use of bacteriostatic antibiotics (tetracycline, chloramphenicol) which may antagonise amoxicillin's bactericidal effect

Storage

• Store at room temperature (below 25°C) away from moisture and sunlight • Amoxicillin oral suspension: after reconstitution, store in a refrigerator and use within 7–14 days (check the label); do not freeze • Keep all medications out of reach of children • Dispose of unused antibiotics safely — return to a pharmacy; do not flush down the toilet or throw in household waste

Buy only NAFDAC-registered medications

Nigeria has a significant problem with counterfeit and substandard drugs. Always purchase medications from a licensed pharmacy and check the NAFDAC registration number on the package — verify at nafdac.gov.ng.