Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat throat infections (like tonsillitis, pharyngitis) 2. To treat ear infections (otitis media) 3. To treat sinus infections (sinusitis) 4. To treat chest infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) 5. To treat urinary tract infections (UTI) 6. To treat skin and soft-tissue infections 7. To treat dental infections |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Diarrhea 4. Stomach pain 5. Loss of appetite 6. Headache 7. Skin rash 8. Mild itching 9. Bloating or gas |
| Additional Information | This medicine should only be used under medical supervision. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medicine orally with a sip of water. |
Amoxicillin Uses
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medicine that belongs to the class of penicillins. It is used to kill bacteria and treat symptoms of conditions like:
- Throat infections such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Sinus infections
- Chest infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft-tissue infections
- Dental infections
Directions for use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Amoxicillin effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Mild itching
- Bloating or gas
Less Common
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
- Severe diarrhea (possible C. difficile infection)
- Liver enzyme increase
- Yeast infections
How Amoxicillin works
Amoxicillin works by blocking the bacteria’s ability to build their cell wall. Without a proper cell wall, the bacteria become weak and burst, which stops the infection. It acts mainly on growing bacteria and is effective against many common gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy / Hypersensitivity
Avoid amoxicillin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, penicillins, or cephalosporin antibiotics, as taking it again may cause breathing problems, wheezing, skin rashes, swelling, or serious allergic reactions. Always inform your doctor if you have had any reaction to antibiotics before using this medicine.
Kidney Problems
Avoid amoxicillin or use it with caution if you have severe kidney disease, as the medicine may build up in your body and increase side effects. Dose adjustment is usually required. Always inform your doctor if you have any kidney issues.
Liver Problems
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease or have had jaundice after using antibiotics in the past. The doctor will decide whether this medicine is safe for you and adjust or avoid it if needed, as it may affect liver function.
Severe Asthma/Allergic Conditions
People with a history of severe allergies, asthma, or multiple drug allergies should use amoxicillin carefully, as they have a higher risk of allergic reactions.
Amoxicillin Interaction with Food Product
Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. Taking it with meals may reduce stomach upset. Heavy or high-fat foods may slightly delay absorption. Alcohol doesn’t interact but may worsen nausea, so it’s better to limit it. Drink plenty of water.
Amoxicillin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Amoxicillin with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Amoxicillin Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) / Chemical name
(2S,5R,6R)-6-[[(2R)-2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid

Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Amoxicillin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take Amoxicillin more than 500 mg per day. Overdose may cause tremors, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or high blood pressure. In case of any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Amoxicillin Summary
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as sore throat, ear and sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and dental infections. It works by blocking the formation of the bacteria’s cell wall, causing them to break down and die. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and skin rashes, while serious effects like allergic reactions or severe diarrhea may also occur.
Amoxicillin should not be taken by people who are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillins, or cephalosporins, those with infectious mononucleosis, and patients with severe kidney issues or past severe antibiotic-related diarrhea should use it only under medical advice.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin tablets are used to treat bacterial infections such as sore throat (tonsillitis), ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract.
What are the side effects of Amoxicillin?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, and skin rashes. Less common but serious effects include allergic reactions, severe diarrhea, liver issues, and yeast infections. If severe symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately. infections, skin infections, and dental infections. They work by killing the bacteria causing the illness.
What is the mode of action of Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin works by blocking the bacteria’s ability to form their cell wall. Without a strong cell wall, the bacteria break down and die, which helps clear the infection.
Who should not take Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin should not be taken by people who are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillins, or similar antibiotics (like cephalosporins). People with severe kidney problems or a history of severe antibiotic-related diarrhea should use it only with medical advice.
Reference
- PubChem. Amoxicillin [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- Amoxicillin Dosage Guide with Precautions [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- Akhavan BJ, Vijhani P, Khanna N. Amoxicillin [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.