Amoxicillin: What It Treats, How to Take It, and Safety Tips

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. You’ll see it for ear infections, strep throat, sinus infections, dental infections and some lung infections. It works fast for many people, but there are a few simple rules to follow so it actually helps — not hurts.

How amoxicillin works and when to take it

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It kills bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. That’s why it doesn’t work on viral illnesses like colds or most sore throats — it only helps when bacteria are the problem.

Common adult doses: 250–500 mg every 8 hours, or 500–875 mg every 12 hours depending on the infection. For kids the dose is based on weight — usually 20–45 mg per kg per day split into two or three doses. For certain ear infections doctors may use higher doses (about 80–90 mg/kg/day) for a short course.

Typical treatment length is 5–10 days, but follow your prescriber’s instructions. Shorter courses are fine for some conditions, longer for others. If symptoms don’t improve in 48–72 hours, contact your clinician.

Safety, side effects and smart tips

Allergy matters. If you’ve ever had hives, swelling, breathing problems, or a severe rash after penicillin, don’t take amoxicillin — tell your doctor. Mild stomach upset, diarrhea, and yeast infections can happen. Serious but rare side effects include severe allergic reaction and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, which causes heavy diarrhea; seek medical care if you have severe symptoms.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Amoxicillin is widely used in pregnancy and is generally considered safe, but check with your provider first. Drug interactions are limited; probenecid raises amoxicillin levels, and severe diarrhea can reduce birth control pills’ effectiveness. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Antibiotics aren’t candy. Only use amoxicillin for bacterial infections your doctor has diagnosed or strongly suspects. Using it when not needed drives resistance and can make future infections harder to treat.

Buying online? Use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and list clear contact details. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. Look for verifiable reviews and a pharmacist you can contact. If you get pills that look different or have no label, don’t take them.

Practical tips: store tablets at room temperature, take with food if your stomach gets upset, don’t mix with alcohol to test tolerance, and finish the course or follow your prescriber’s plan. Missed dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is near — then skip the missed one.

Quick checklist before you take amoxicillin: confirm it’s for a bacterial infection, tell the prescriber about penicillin allergy, check dosing for weight (kids), and buy only from a reputable pharmacy. Simple steps make this common drug safe and effective.