Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to help treat bacterial infections in both adults and children.

It’s been available for decades, and is one of the most commonly prescribed of all medications: More than 50 million prescriptions for amoxicillin are filled in the United States each year.

When you start a new medication, it’s natural to wonder how long it will take to start working—so you’ll know when you’ll feel better.

In this article, I’ll tell you more about how amoxicillin works, and how fast it works.

I’ll also talk about when you should stop taking the antibiotic, the dangers of stopping too soon, and when to talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional.

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What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is in the class of penicillin antibiotics.

It is broad-spectrum, meaning it works on lots of different bacteria.

Amoxicillin is made by pairing an extra amino group with penicillin, which helps combat resistance to the drug. It works by inhibiting bacteria’s ability to grow.

Amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections like colds, COVID-19, or the flu.

It will also not help most bronchitis and sinus infections, which are most often caused by viruses.

Sometimes secondary bacterial infections can occur after viral illnesses, and antibiotics may be needed.

Amoxicillin elavil 10 mg otc is often a first-line choice for this purpose.

If you are allergic to penicillin, you will likely be allergic to amoxicillin.

There are many different classes of antibiotics, and your doctor will make sure to choose one that is effective for your type of infection.

They will take your allergies, age, and other health-related factors into consideration when writing your antibiotic prescription.

Uses
Amoxicillin can be prescribed for many types of bacterial infections. Some common uses include:

Dental infections such as periodontitis (gum disease)
Ear, nose, and throat infections such a strep throat or bacterial sinusitis
Bacterial pneumonia
Urinary tract infections (often combined with clavulanic acid)
Lyme disease
Skin infections
Anthrax exposure
H. pylori infections (the bacteria that can trigger stomach ulcers)
Dosage
Amoxicillin comes in a few forms.

Your doctor may prescribe it as a capsule, tablet, or a suspension (liquid).

Typically, people take amoxicillin twice to three times a day, or every 8-12 hours, either with or without food.

For adults, teenagers, and kids who weigh more than 88 pounds, the most common dose is 250-500 mg taken every eight hours, or 500-875 mg every 12 hours.

For children, doses range from 40-90 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into 2-3 doses per day.

No matter how much you’re taking, aim to take your amoxicillin at the same time each day.

Your pharmacist or prescriber will give you dosing instructions and tell you exactly how to take your medication, including whether to take it with food.

Your medication should not be stored in a humid environment, like the bathroom.

Keep it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.

Some medications may require refrigeration.

Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to take or store your medicine.

Infections that are not severe may be treated in as little as 3 days, but the typical course of treatment is 5-10 days.

Your prescription label insert will tell you how long you should take your amoxicillin.

If you forget to take a dose, do not panic.

If it has ampicillin without a prescription only been a few hours, take your dose and adjust your next ones accordingly.

If you are close to your next dose, skip your missed one and resume your schedule as normal. Never double up on amoxicillin doses.

Common Side Effects
Amoxicillin has some common side effects that are typical to many antibiotics. They may include:

Changes in taste
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
More serious side effects can occur, though they are less common. If you notice any of these symptoms, discontinue your medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Itching, hives, or rash
Wheezing or breathing problems
Skin blisters
Swelling of the lips, face, throat, tongue, or eyes
Stomach cramps
Severe diarrhea or bloody stools
This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

If you have questions or concerns while taking amoxicillin, ask your doctor or call your pharmacy.


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