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Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is an alternative to metronidazole in the treatment of necrotising ulcerative gingivitis and pericoronitis.

Review patients who have received a course of antibiotic treatment.

An appropriate 3-day regimen is:

Amoxicillin Capsules, 500 mg

Send: 9 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: 9 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