Amoxil Antibiotic Uses and Side Effects

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Amoxil (amoxicillin) is an antibiotic often prescribed to treat bacterial infections like sinusitis, ear infections, and strep throat. Amoxil is a brand of amoxicillin, also available under other brand names such as Moxatag and Trimox, as well as in generic formulations.

This article will discuss common uses of Amoxil, how to take it, and possible side effects.

Young girl getting an ear exam

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Uses for Amoxil

Amoxil's generic name is amoxicillin. Other brand names include Moxatag, Moxilin, Sumox, Trimox, Wymox, and Dispermox.

Amoxil is usually recommended as a first-line treatment for many common bacterial infections in children and adults. It is most commonly used to treat ear infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, and strep throat.

Amoxil may sometimes be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat additional bacterial infections, including uncomplicated gonorrhea, urinary tract infections, H. pylori infections, and skin infections when susceptible strains of bacteria cause them.

Off-Label Uses

Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe Amoxil for non-FDA-approved (off-label) uses. Examples include:

Many infections are caused by viruses, however, antibiotics like Amoxil only work against bacterial infections. Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause side effects which can make people more ill and, in the long term, can reduce their effectiveness.

How to Take Amoxil

Amoxil is a convenient, low-cost drug that:

  • Is available in a variety of forms, including pediatric drops, oral suspension, chewable tablets, capsules, and tablets
  • Is prescribed for use every eight or 12 hours at equal intervals, with or without food
  • Does not need to be refrigerated (although refrigeration is preferable)

When using Amoxil:

  • Shake liquid forms well before each use.
  • Do not break tablets for easier swallowing—this can stop Amoxil from working properly.
  • Do not take with fruit juices, dairy products (e.g., milk, butter, yogurt, cheese), or alcohol—this can affect how the body absorbs Amoxil.
  • Amoxil may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills). You will need to use another method of birth control while on Amoxil.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, contact your healthcare provider.
  • Finish the entire course of medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider to stop.

Storing Suspension-Based Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is available as a suspension (usually pink) mixed by a pharmacist just before pick-up. Amoxicillin suspensions can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator (which is preferred). This medicine should be kept at a consistent temperature and disposed of after 14 days.

Side Effects of Amoxil

Amoxil is typically safe and effective when prescribed by your healthcare provider and used as directed. However, it can cause some minor to severe side effects. 

Common Side Effects of Amoxil

Common side effects of Amoxil can include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

Other side effects can include:

  • Tooth discoloration (usually reversible)
  • Hepatitis
  • Crystalluria (presence of crystals in urine)
  • Convulsions
  • Anemia
  • Reversible hyperactivity
  • Agitation/anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness

Severe Side Effects of Amoxil

Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions can also occur when taking Amoxil, and these reactions can be serious or life-threatening. They include:

You should stop the antibiotic and call your pediatrician if you think your child is having an allergic reaction to Amoxil.

Remember that not every rash that develops while taking Amoxil is caused by an allergic reaction, so check with your child's pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis. If your child is labeled as being allergic to Amoxil, that eliminates an important class of antibiotics that your child can take.

Amoxil is a penicillin-class antibiotic

Overall, about 10% of people prescribed a penicillin-class medication like Amoxil report a reaction. Serious and even fatal allergic reactions do happen. Amoxil should not be used by anyone previously reactive or diagnosed with an allergy to penicillin.

Summary

Amoxil is recommended as the first choice to treat many common bacterial infections in adults and children including strep throat, sinusitis, pneumonia, and ear infections. Stomach upset is a common side effect. Other side effects could include behavioral changes and tooth discoloration. Severe allergic reactions are possible; no one with a penicillin allergy should take Amoxil.

6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. MedlinePlus. Amoxicillin.

  2. Williams AL, Bevan J, Arnold MJ. Lyme Disease: Updated Recommendations from the IDSA, AAN, and ACR. Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(6):652-654. 

  3. InformedHealth.org. Using antibiotics correctly and avoiding resistance.

  4. DailyMed. Label: Amoxil- amoxicillin powder, for suspension.

  5. PDR by ConnectiveRx. Amoxil - Adverse Reactions.

  6. Solensky R. Patient education: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate [Internet]. 2023.

Additional Reading

By Vincent Iannelli, MD
 Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years.