Amoxicillin: Simple Facts, Safe Use, and Practical Tips

Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic you’ve probably heard of. Doctors use it for ear infections, strep throat, sinus infections, and many common bacterial infections. It works well when bacteria are the cause — but it won’t help a cold or the flu, which are viral.

How amoxicillin works and when to take it

Amoxicillin kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. That makes infections easier for your immune system to clear. Your doctor will prescribe it when they suspect or confirm a bacterial infection. If you’re not sure why it was prescribed, ask. Get clarity on the diagnosis, dose, and length of treatment before you start.

Timing matters. Take amoxicillin at evenly spaced intervals to keep levels steady in your body. If a prescription says twice daily, try to take doses about 12 hours apart. For three times daily, aim for every 8 hours. Taking it with food can reduce stomach upset, though some forms are fine on an empty stomach.

Dosage basics and common durations

Dosage depends on the infection and your weight (kids get weight-based doses). Adults often take 250–500 mg every 8–12 hours, or 875 mg twice daily for certain infections. Typical courses run 5 to 14 days. Don’t stop early just because you feel better — stopping too soon can let the infection come back and encourage resistance.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close. Don’t double up to catch up. For liquid forms, shake the bottle and measure doses with the provided cup or a proper syringe — kitchen spoons aren’t accurate.

Allergic reactions to amoxicillin can be serious. Rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing need immediate medical attention. If you’ve had a penicillin allergy before, tell your doctor — some cross-reactivity exists between penicillin and amoxicillin.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and mild rash. If you get severe diarrhea with blood or fever, contact your provider — that can be a sign of Clostridioides difficile infection, which needs care.

Amoxicillin can interact with other medicines. Tell your provider about blood thinners, methotrexate, and certain contraceptives. While the risk to birth control is low, using a backup method during antibiotics and for a short time after can ease worry.

Storing amoxicillin: keep tablets in a cool, dry place. Liquids usually need refrigeration and have a short shelf life once mixed — check the label and discard leftovers after the recommended time.

Buying amoxicillin online? Use a licensed pharmacy and a valid prescription. Avoid sites that sell antibiotics without asking for a prescription — those pills might be fake or unsafe. If unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a trusted source.

Quick practical rule: take the full course, watch for signs of allergy, keep pills as directed, and always confirm why you were prescribed the antibiotic. That keeps treatment effective and safer for you and others.