Amoxicillin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It is used for some ear, nose and throat infections, chest infections, urinary tract infections, skin and dental infections, and, together with other medicines, Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach. It does not work against colds, flu or other viral infections. In India it is a prescription medicine, sold on its own and combined with clavulanic acid.
Also known as: Amoxycillin, Amoxicillin trihydrate, Amoxicilline, Amoxicillin capsule, Amoxicillin tablet, Amoxicillin 500 mg
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Amoxicillin work?
Amoxicillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins that bacteria use to build their cell walls, so the walls become weak and the bacteria burst. Some bacteria make beta-lactamase enzymes that destroy amoxicillin, which is why it is sometimes combined with clavulanic acid. Most of each dose leaves the body unchanged in the urine within a few hours.
How to take Amoxicillin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The dose, how many times a day and the number of days depend on the infection, the person's age and weight, and kidney function. Take the full course your doctor prescribed.
Side effects of Amoxicillin
Most people take amoxicillin without serious problems. Diarrhoea, nausea and rash are the most common side effects, and serious reactions are rare.
Uncommon or mild
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- Mild skin rash
- Thrush: white patches in the mouth, or itching and discharge from the vagina
- Stomach discomfort or indigestion
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing or fainting. Get emergency help immediately
- A widespread rash with blisters, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth or eyes, or a rash with fever and swollen glands
- Severe or watery diarrhoea that does not stop, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus and stomach cramps, during the course or up to two months after it
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools, which can be signs of liver problems
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, which can be a sign of a rare blood problem
- Passing very little urine, blood in the urine, or fits (seizures)
Who should be careful
Amoxicillin is not suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor about any allergies, health conditions and other medicines before taking it.
- Allergy to penicillins, or a past allergic reaction to cephalosporin antibiotics: amoxicillin should not be taken
- It treats bacterial infections only. It does not work for colds, flu, most coughs or sore throats, and using it when it is not needed adds to antibiotic resistance
- Kidney disease: a lower dose or fewer doses a day may be needed
- Liver disease
- Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis): amoxicillin very often causes a rash in people with this viral infection
- Pregnancy: amoxicillin is used in pregnancy when an infection needs treatment, but only on a doctor's advice
- Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk. Watch the baby for diarrhoea, thrush or rash, and tell your doctor if you notice them
- Past diarrhoea while taking antibiotics
Medicines and things that interact with Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin has a few important interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take, including herbal products.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin or acenocoumarol: the blood may take longer to clot, so extra clotting tests may be needed
- Methotrexate: penicillins can slow its removal from the body and raise the risk of side effects
- Allopurinol (for gout): skin rashes become more likely
- Probenecid: raises amoxicillin levels
- Birth control pills: antibiotics may make the combined pill less effective, and vomiting or severe diarrhoea can also stop it being absorbed. Ask your doctor whether extra contraception is needed
- Tetracycline antibiotics: may change how well amoxicillin works, so your doctor decides which to use
If someone takes too much
Taking more amoxicillin than prescribed mainly causes stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rarely, very large doses can cause crystals in the urine that harm the kidneys. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic. Single-ingredient amoxicillin is not on the CDSCO list of banned medicines. Some fixed-dose combinations containing amoxicillin are prohibited, for example amoxicillin with tinidazole and amoxicillin with dicloxacillin and lactobacillus, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Amoxicillin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Amoxicillin
These medicines sold in India contain Amoxicillin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Augmentin 625 Duo · 500 mg film-coated tablet
What is Amoxicillin used for?
Combination medicines that contain Amoxicillin are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Is amoxicillin the same as Augmentin?
No. Augmentin and similar brands contain amoxicillin together with clavulanic acid, which protects amoxicillin from enzymes made by some resistant bacteria. Plain amoxicillin products contain no clavulanic acid. A doctor decides which one an infection needs.
Can I take amoxicillin if I am allergic to penicillin?
No. Amoxicillin is a penicillin, so people with a penicillin allergy should not take it. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any past reaction to an antibiotic. Get emergency help for swelling of the face or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing after a dose.
Why can amoxicillin cause diarrhoea?
Antibiotics also affect the helpful bacteria in the gut, so mild diarrhoea is common. Drink plenty of fluids. See a doctor quickly if diarrhoea is severe or watery, contains blood or mucus, or comes with stomach cramps or fever, even weeks after the course ends.
Is Augmentin 625 Duo the same as amoxicillin?
No. Augmentin 625 Duo is a brand whose tablet contains amoxicillin 500 mg together with clavulanic acid 125 mg. So it contains amoxicillin but is not plain amoxicillin. Check the ingredient list and strength on the pack; a doctor decides which product an infection needs.
Does amoxicillin work for a cold, flu or sore throat?
Amoxicillin treats infections caused by bacteria, so it does not help colds, flu or most coughs and sore throats, which are usually caused by viruses. A doctor decides whether an infection is bacterial. Using antibiotics when they are not needed adds to antibiotic resistance.
Can I drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin?
There is no known direct interaction between alcohol and amoxicillin. However, alcohol can worsen nausea or dizziness, and being unwell with an infection is itself a reason to go easy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Can I take amoxicillin in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Amoxicillin is used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when an infection needs treatment, but only a doctor should decide this. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so tell your doctor if the baby has diarrhoea, thrush or a rash. Ask your doctor before taking any antibiotic.
Should I stop amoxicillin when I feel better?
Follow the course your doctor prescribed, for as many days as advised. Feeling better sooner does not always mean every bacterium has gone, and stopping early can let the infection return and add to antibiotic resistance. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects or doubts.
Sources
- Amoxicillin. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- Amoxicillin: antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. NHS (UK)
- AUGMENTIN (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium): full prescribing information (revised 7/2026). US Food and Drug Administration
- Antibiotics. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: J01CA Penicillins with extended spectrum. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology