Amoxil is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Common, guideline-supported uses include:
Amoxil is also used for prophylaxis in specific clinical contexts, such as preventing infective endocarditis in high-risk patients prior to certain dental procedures, when recommended by current professional guidelines.
Importantly, Amoxil treats only bacterial infections. It will not help viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, or COVID-19. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases the risk of side effects and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic in the aminopenicillin subclass. It inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), preventing cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands. This weakens the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death of susceptible organisms.
Amoxicillin has activity against many Gram-positive bacteria (including Streptococcus species) and some Gram-negative bacteria (such as some strains of Haemophilus influenzae and E. coli). Infections caused by beta-lactamase–producing organisms may require a beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate) to restore activity. Your clinician chooses the appropriate agent based on the suspected site of infection, local resistance patterns, and, when available, culture and sensitivity results.
Amoxil is available in a variety of oral formulations to accommodate different age groups and clinical needs:
Exact dosing varies by infection type, severity, patient age and weight, kidney function, and local guidelines. Pediatric dosing typically uses weight-based calculations. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the product label exactly. Do not share antibiotics with others or save any remaining medication for future illnesses.
Active ingredient: amoxicillin.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if any of the above may apply to you.
This list is not exhaustive. Always share a complete medication list with your clinician and pharmacist before starting Amoxil, and ask whether any new symptoms could be due to an interaction.
Most people tolerate Amoxil well. When side effects occur, they are often mild and self-limited. Contact your clinician if common effects are persistent, severe, or worrisome.
Stop Amoxil and seek urgent care if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis or severe skin reactions. If you have any new or severe symptoms after starting Amoxil, call your clinician for guidance.
Each unnecessary or incomplete course of antibiotics increases the chance that bacteria will evolve resistance, making infections harder and more expensive to treat. To support your health and public health:
Amoxicillin is available as a brand (Amoxil in some markets) and as widely available generics. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, amoxicillin is a prescription-only medicine. Actual cost varies based on dose, formulation, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Many pharmacies offer low-cost generic programs for common antibiotics. Your pharmacist can advise you on available options and help you compare prices at legitimate pharmacies.
Be cautious with online offers that seem too good to be true, especially those advertising prescription antibiotics without requiring a valid prescription. Verify online pharmacies through recognized accreditation programs (for example, in the U.S., the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s .pharmacy program or other state board–approved resources). Purchasing from unverified sources can expose you to counterfeit or substandard medicines and legal risk.
In the United States, amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a prescription-only medication. Federal and state laws require a valid prescription from a licensed clinician following an appropriate evaluation to dispense systemic antibiotics. This safeguards patient safety, ensures correct diagnosis and dosing, and supports responsible antibiotic use.
Note on facility claims: We cannot verify or endorse any claim that a hospital or clinic dispenses amoxicillin “without a formal prescription.” By U.S. law, antibiotics like amoxicillin require a prescription issued by a licensed prescriber after a clinical assessment. If a healthcare system offers telehealth or same-day evaluation, any antibiotic provided would still be prescribed by a licensed clinician and dispensed through legal channels. For your safety and to remain compliant with U.S. regulations, seek care through licensed providers and accredited pharmacies.
Amoxil is the brand name for amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, ear infections (otitis media), sinusitis, some pneumonia, certain urinary tract infections, dental infections, and as part of H. pylori treatment. It does not treat viruses like colds or flu.
Amoxicillin kills susceptible bacteria by blocking cell wall synthesis, causing the bacteria to break apart and die. It’s a beta-lactam antibiotic in the penicillin family.
Many people start to feel improvement within 24–72 hours of the first doses. If symptoms are not improving by day 3, or they worsen, contact your clinician.
Take it at evenly spaced times, with or without food, and finish the full course even if you feel better. Swallow tablets/capsules with water; shake suspensions well and measure with a dosing device.
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up; resume your regular schedule.
Nausea, diarrhea, mild stomach upset, headache, and skin rash are the most common. Yeast infections and mouth thrush can occur, especially with longer courses.
Seek urgent care for signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of face or throat, trouble breathing), severe or bloody diarrhea (possible C. difficile), or widespread rash with fever. Stop the drug and get help if these occur.
People with a history of severe penicillin or cephalosporin allergy, prior anaphylaxis, or serious skin reactions should avoid it. Those with mononucleosis (EBV) often develop a non-allergic rash with amoxicillin and usually should not receive it.
Allopurinol can increase the risk of rash; probenecid raises amoxicillin levels; methotrexate toxicity risk can increase; warfarin effects may be potentiated, warranting closer INR checks. Live oral typhoid vaccine effectiveness may be reduced.
You can take it with or without food; food may reduce stomach upset. Most vitamins are fine, and probiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea if taken a few hours apart.
It can treat some UTIs, particularly those caused by Enterococcus or susceptible E. coli, but resistance is common in many regions. A urine culture helps confirm if amoxicillin is appropriate.
Yes, amoxicillin is first-line for streptococcal pharyngitis and many pediatric ear infections due to its effectiveness and safety profile. Dosing and duration depend on age and severity.
Yes. Using it only when needed, at the right dose and duration, and completing the course helps reduce resistance.
Reconstituted liquid is typically good for 14 days; follow the label about refrigeration, as recommendations vary by product. Keep tightly closed, away from heat and light, and out of children’s reach.
It can cause transient changes in liver enzymes and may interfere with the oral typhoid vaccine if taken concurrently. Tell your healthcare team you’re on amoxicillin before tests or immunizations.
There’s no direct interaction between amoxicillin and alcohol, but alcohol can worsen stomach upset, dizziness, and dehydration. Moderate intake is usually safe; avoid heavy drinking to aid recovery.
Amoxicillin is widely used in pregnancy and generally considered safe when indicated. Always discuss risks and benefits with your prenatal care provider.
Yes, amoxicillin passes into breast milk in small amounts and is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Watch the infant for mild diarrhea, rash, or thrush and report concerns to a clinician.
Usually no; antibiotics prescribed for an active infection are typically continued. Inform your surgical team about all medications, including amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin does not reliably reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, but vomiting or severe diarrhea can impair pill absorption. Use backup contraception if you have significant GI upset.
Dose adjustments are often needed in moderate to severe renal impairment. Your prescriber will tailor the dose and frequency based on kidney function.
People with EBV mono frequently develop a characteristic rash when given amoxicillin; while typically not dangerous, it complicates care and is best avoided unless benefits outweigh risks.
Yes, it is commonly used for dental infections and for endocarditis prophylaxis in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing certain dental procedures, per guidelines. Your dentist or cardiologist will advise if prophylaxis is needed.
It generally does not, but if you experience dizziness or fatigue, wait until you feel normal to drive.
Augmentin adds clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, broadening coverage to many beta-lactamase–producing bacteria (e.g., some H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, certain skin/bite pathogens). It’s preferred for resistant sinusitis, recurrent otitis media, bite wounds, and some dental infections, but causes more GI side effects.
Both are aminopenicillins, but amoxicillin has better oral absorption, more reliable blood levels, and fewer GI side effects, making it the oral agent of choice. Ampicillin is more commonly used IV or for specific indications.
Both work for Group A strep; amoxicillin is often favored due to taste, once- or twice-daily dosing, and adherence in children. Penicillin V remains an effective, narrow-spectrum alternative.
Dicloxacillin targets penicillinase-producing MSSA better than amoxicillin, which is weak against staphylococci producing beta-lactamase. For nonpurulent cellulitis due to streptococci, amoxicillin may suffice; for MSSA, dicloxacillin (or cephalexin) is preferred.
Cephalexin (a first-generation cephalosporin) has stronger activity against MSSA and many streptococci, making it a go-to for uncomplicated skin infections. Amoxicillin is better for otitis media and strep throat; choice depends on the suspected bacteria.
Cefdinir (a third-generation oral cephalosporin) covers many beta-lactamase producers but is broader and can drive more resistance. Amoxicillin is first-line in many cases; cefdinir is reserved for failures, allergies to penicillin (non–anaphylactic, with caution), or when beta-lactamase coverage is needed.
Cefuroxime has better stability against some beta-lactamases and covers H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis more reliably. It’s used when amoxicillin fails or resistance risk is high, but amoxicillin is preferred initially for many respiratory infections.
Benzathine penicillin G is a long-acting intramuscular injection used for syphilis and rheumatic fever prophylaxis; it’s not interchangeable with oral amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is used for common ENT, dental, and some respiratory infections.
Nafcillin and oxacillin are antistaphylococcal penicillins with strong activity against MSSA; they are preferred for serious MSSA infections. Amoxicillin is inadequate against most MSSA strains due to beta-lactamase production.
Piperacillin-tazobactam is a broad-spectrum IV antibiotic covering Pseudomonas and many resistant gram-negatives, used in hospitals for severe infections. Amoxicillin is an oral, narrow-spectrum option for mild to moderate community infections.
No, amoxicillin does not cover MRSA. Other agents are required based on local guidelines and infection severity.
True cross-allergy between penicillins and cephalosporins is low, especially with later-generation cephalosporins, but caution is advised in anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin. Allergy evaluation can help clarify risks.
Augmentin is preferred because clavulanate adds coverage for beta-lactamase–producing organisms and anaerobes found in animal bites. Plain amoxicillin is usually insufficient for bite wounds.
Written on 2 March, 2023: Laura Jenkins
Re-written on 8 October, 2025: Cristina Matera, MD