Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is effective at treating dental abscesses and is better absorbed than phenoxymethylpenicillin.

Review patients who have received a course of antibiotic treatment.

An appropriate 5-day regimen is:

Amoxicillin Capsules, 500 mg

Send: 15 capsules

Label: 1 capsule three times daily

Amoxicillin Capsules, 250 mg, or Oral Suspension*, 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml

6 -11 months

125 mg three times daily

1–4 years

250 mg three times daily

5–11 years

500 mg three times daily

12–17 years

500 mg three times daily

For adults

Amoxicillin Capsules, 500 mg

Send: 15 capsules

Label: 1 capsule three times daily

For children

Amoxicillin Capsules, 250 mg, or Oral Suspension*, 125 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml

6 -11 months

125 mg three times daily

1–4 years

250 mg three times daily

5–11 years

500 mg three times daily

12–17 years

500 mg three times daily

NB:   The dose of amoxicillin should be doubled in severe infection in adults and children aged 12-17 years. In severe infection in children aged 6 months to 11 years, the dose of amoxicillin should be increased up to 30 mg/kg (max 1 g) three times daily.

Amoxicillin, like other penicillins, can result in hypersensitivity reactions, including rashes and anaphylaxis, and can cause diarrhoea. Do not prescribe amoxicillin to patients with a history of anaphylaxis, urticaria or rash immediately after penicillin administration as these individuals are at risk of immediate hypersensitivity.

*Sugar-free preparation is available.

See Contraindications & cautions - antibiotics for further information about the contraindications and cautions most relevant to antibiotics commonly prescribed for oral bacterial infections.

Drug interactions