Kids' Health Commonly Prescribed Drugs Amoxil Antibiotic Uses and Side Effects By Vincent Iannelli, MD Updated on March 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses How to Take Side Effects 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. macniak / Getty Images 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: Surgical infection prevention (dental, hip, knee) Anthrax treatment or post-exposure prevention Prevention of infectious endocarditis Lyme disease 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 tabletsIs prescribed for use every eight or 12 hours at equal intervals, with or without foodDoes 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: NauseaVomitingDiarrheaHeadache 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: Serum sickness-like reactions (rash, fever, and polyarthritis) Erythematous maculopapular rashes (flat and raised lesions) Erythema multiforme (skin or mouth lesions) Stevens-Johnson syndrome (flu-like symptoms followed by a painful rash, then blisters) Exfoliative dermatitis (redness, inflammation, and shedding of 90% of the skin surface) Toxic epidermal necrolysis (flu-like symptoms followed by blistering and peeling of the skin) Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (multiple small pus-filled spots with swelling) Hypersensitivity vasculitis (red or purple-ish rash and/or hives) Urticaria (hives) 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. Children and Penicillin Allergic Reactions 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. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis 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. MedlinePlus. Amoxicillin. Williams AL, Bevan J, Arnold MJ. Lyme Disease: Updated Recommendations from the IDSA, AAN, and ACR. Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(6):652-654. InformedHealth.org. Using antibiotics correctly and avoiding resistance. DailyMed. Label: Amoxil- amoxicillin powder, for suspension. PDR by ConnectiveRx. Amoxil - Adverse Reactions. Solensky R. Patient education: Allergy to penicillin and related antibiotics (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate [Internet]. 2023. Additional Reading Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media, PEDIATRICS Vol. 113 No. 5 May 2004, pp. 1451-1465. GlaxoSmithKline Amoxil Prescribing Information Sheet. 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. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit