Amoxicillin

If antibiotic treatment of dental abscess is indicated, amoxicillin is as effective as phenoxymethylpenicillin and is better absorbed. However, as amoxicillin is more likely to drive antimicrobial resistance due to its broader spectrum of activity, its use should be reserved for situations where compliance with the dosing regimen of phenoxymethylpenicillin is likely to be more challenging.¹⁴

The suggested duration of antibiotic treatment is 3 to 5 days, with review at 3 days (see Bacterial infections 3-day review tool).

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

Drug interactions