What it does
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
Commonly used for: infections of the ear, nose, and throat, chest infections (pneumonia), urinary tract infections, skin infections …
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Source: Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-03-12 00:01:54 · updated 2026-09-28 03:33:17
About this medicine
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.
What it treats
- infections of the ear, nose, and throat
- chest infections (pneumonia)
- urinary tract infections
- skin infections
- stomach infections
How it works
Amoxicillin works by killing bacteria or stopping their growth, helping to clear up infections.
Who it's for
Amoxicillin is for anyone who has a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Cautions
- • Inform your doctor if you have allergies to penicillin or other antibiotics.
- • Use with caution if you have kidney problems.
- • May cause side effects such as upset stomach or diarrhea.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: amoxicilin
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, part of the penicillin group, used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death. Amoxicillin is effective against a range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria.
Indications
- Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
- Otitis media (middle ear infections)
- Sinusitis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Gonorrhea
- Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy for peptic ulcer disease)
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate dosing based on the child's age, weight, and clinical condition.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines or the BNF for appropriate adult dosing based on the indication and severity of the infection.
Mechanism of action
Amoxicillin exerts its antibacterial effect by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits the transpeptidation enzyme necessary for cross-linking peptidoglycan layers, ultimately disrupting cell wall synthesis and leading to cell death.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic properties of amoxicillin include its ability to exhibit time-dependent killing, with its efficacy linked to the time that serum concentrations remain above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the target organism. Resistance can occur through the production of beta-lactamases, which hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotic ineffective.
Pharmacokinetics
Amoxicillin is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with bioavailability ranging from 70% to 90%. It is widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Amoxicillin is minimally metabolized in the liver, with approximately 50-70% of the drug excreted unchanged in the urine. Its half-life is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, necessitating multiple dosing to maintain effective plasma levels.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to penicillins
- History of severe allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Interactions
- Probenecid may increase amoxicillin plasma levels
- Oral contraceptives may have reduced efficacy when used with amoxicillin
- Anticoagulants may have increased effects when used with amoxicillin
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction
- Consider alternative therapy in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease
Pregnancy
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is often used to treat infections in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
Amoxicillin is excreted in breast milk, but is usually considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated and used within a specified time frame.
Formulations
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Oral suspension
- Injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.