What is amoxicillin 500mg used for. How should you take amoxicillin 500mg. What are the common side effects of amoxicillin 500mg. Who should not take amoxicillin 500mg. How long does it take for amoxicillin 500mg to work. Can you drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin 500mg. What precautions should you take when using amoxicillin 500mg.

What is Amoxicillin and How Does It Work?

Amoxicillin is a widely prescribed antibiotic medication belonging to the penicillin family. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Amoxicillin works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to form cell walls, ultimately leading to their destruction.

This antibiotic is effective against many types of bacteria, including:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Escherichia coli
• Staphylococcus aureus (some strains)
• Helicobacter pylori

Is amoxicillin effective against all types of infections? No, amoxicillin is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. It is important to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional for bacterial infections to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Common Uses of Amoxicillin 500mg

Amoxicillin 500mg is a common dosage prescribed for various bacterial infections. Some of the most frequent uses include:

1. Respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
2. Ear, nose, and throat infections
3. Urinary tract infections
4. Skin and soft tissue infections
5. Dental infections
6. Helicobacter pylori infections (in combination with other medications)
7. Lyme disease (early stages)

How quickly does amoxicillin 500mg work? While the onset of action can vary depending on the infection and individual factors, many patients start to feel improvement within 24 to 72 hours of beginning treatment. However, it is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Amoxicillin 500mg

The typical dosage of amoxicillin 500mg for adults is one capsule taken three times daily, or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The dosage may vary depending on the severity and type of infection being treated.

To ensure optimal effectiveness:

• Take amoxicillin at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day
• Swallow the capsules whole with water
• Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules
• Take with or without food, although taking with food may help reduce stomach upset
• Complete the entire prescribed course, even if you feel better before it’s finished

Can you take amoxicillin 500mg on an empty stomach? While amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, some people find that taking it with a meal helps reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. If you experience stomach upset, try taking the medication with food to see if it helps alleviate the discomfort.

Special Dosing Considerations

Certain populations may require adjusted dosages:

• Children: Dosage is typically based on weight and determined by a pediatrician
• Elderly patients: May require lower doses due to decreased kidney function
• Patients with kidney problems: May need dose adjustments or longer intervals between doses

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and administration.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

While amoxicillin is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of amoxicillin 500mg include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Headache
• Rash
• Vaginal yeast infection

Are these side effects serious? Most side effects of amoxicillin are mild and resolve on their own. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause more serious adverse reactions, such as:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Liver problems
• Blood disorders

If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Amoxicillin can interact with various medications and substances, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Some important interactions to be aware of include:

• Oral contraceptives: Amoxicillin may reduce their effectiveness
• Allopurinol: May increase the risk of skin rash
• Anticoagulants: May increase the risk of bleeding
• Probenecid: Can increase amoxicillin levels in the blood
• Methotrexate: Amoxicillin may increase its toxicity

Does amoxicillin 500mg interact with alcohol? While there is no direct interaction between amoxicillin and alcohol, consuming alcohol while taking antibiotics can potentially slow down the healing process and exacerbate certain side effects like stomach upset and dizziness. It’s generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during antibiotic treatment.

Precautions for Specific Populations

Certain groups should exercise caution when using amoxicillin:

• Pregnant women: Generally considered safe, but should be used only when clearly needed
• Breastfeeding mothers: Amoxicillin passes into breast milk, but is generally considered safe for infants
• Patients with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins
• Individuals with kidney problems
• Patients with mononucleosis: May develop a rash when taking amoxicillin

Always inform your healthcare provider of your complete medical history and all medications you are taking before starting amoxicillin treatment.

Proper Storage and Handling of Amoxicillin 500mg

To maintain the effectiveness and safety of amoxicillin 500mg, proper storage and handling are essential:

• Store at room temperature (between 68째F to 77째F or 20째C to 25째C)
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light
• Keep the medication in its original container
• Do not use after the expiration date
• Keep out of reach of children and pets

How long can you store amoxicillin 500mg? Amoxicillin capsules typically have a shelf life of about two years when stored properly. However, always check the expiration date on the package and discard any unused medication after this date.

Disposing of Unused Medication

Proper disposal of unused or expired amoxicillin is important to prevent environmental contamination and accidental ingestion:

• Do not flush down the toilet or pour down the drain
• Check for local medication take-back programs
• If no take-back program is available, mix with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds), seal in a plastic bag, and dispose of in household trash

Recognizing and Managing Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in modern healthcare. It occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. To help prevent antibiotic resistance:

• Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed
• Do not share antibiotics with others or use leftover antibiotics
• Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections

Can overuse of amoxicillin 500mg contribute to antibiotic resistance? Yes, inappropriate or excessive use of any antibiotic, including amoxicillin, can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is why it’s crucial to use antibiotics only when necessary and as directed by a healthcare provider.

Signs of Antibiotic Resistance

Indications that an infection may be caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria include:

• Symptoms that persist despite antibiotic treatment
• Recurrent infections
• Infections that require multiple courses of antibiotics

If you suspect antibiotic resistance, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate testing and treatment options.

Alternatives to Amoxicillin 500mg

While amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic, there are situations where alternative medications may be more appropriate. Some alternatives to amoxicillin include:

1. Other penicillin antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, piperacillin)
2. Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin, cefuroxime)
3. Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
4. Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
5. Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline)

Are these alternatives equally effective as amoxicillin 500mg? The effectiveness of alternative antibiotics depends on the specific infection and the bacteria causing it. Some alternatives may be more effective against certain types of bacteria or in specific situations, such as when amoxicillin resistance is suspected.

Choosing the Right Antibiotic

Factors that influence the choice of antibiotic include:

• Type and severity of infection
• Local patterns of antibiotic resistance
• Patient’s medical history and allergies
• Potential side effects and drug interactions
• Cost and availability

Your healthcare provider will consider these factors when prescribing the most appropriate antibiotic for your specific situation.

Amoxicillin Pill Images – What does amoxicillin look like?

Print

Save

What does Amoxicillin look like?

Note: Multiple pictures are displayed for those medicines available in different strengths, marketed under different brand names and for medicines manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. Multi ingredient medications may also be listed when applicable.
Return to Pill Identifier…

Results for “Amoxicillin” (

1 – 18 of 52)

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 3107 93 3107

Color

Tan & White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

125 MG

Imprint

221 B L

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 MG

Imprint

biocraft 01

Color

Yellow / Brown

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

MYLAN 204 MYLAN 204

Color

Brown & Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

MYLAN 205 MYLAN 205

Color

Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 5

Amoxicillin trihydrate

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

AMOX 500 GG 849

Color

Yellow

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 613

Color

Brown & White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

93 615

Color

White

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

93 2263

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 4

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

93 2264

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 2

Amoxicillin

Strength

125 mg

Imprint

93 2267

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

93 2268

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

PL AT8

Color

Pink

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

222 B L

Color

White

Shape

Oval

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

500 mg

Imprint

BIOCRAFT 03

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

125N

Color

Pink

Shape

Capsule-shape

View details

1 / 4

Amoxicillin

Strength

875 mg

Imprint

RX 763

Color

Pink

Shape

Oval

View details

1 / 3

Amoxicillin

Strength

250 mg

Imprint

RX 515

Color

Pink

Shape

Round

View details

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Amoxicillin: antibiotic to treat bacterial infections

1. About amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses. It can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers.

It’s often prescribed for children, to treat ear infections and chest infections.

Amoxicillin is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules or as a liquid that you swallow. It’s also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

2. Key facts

• For most infections, you’ll start to feel better in a few days.
• The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.
• Liquid amoxicillin can stain your teeth. This does not last and is removed by brushing.
• You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
• Sometimes, taking amoxicillin can cause thrush.

3. Who can and cannot take amoxicillin

Amoxicillin can be taken by most adults and children.

Find out more about giving amoxicillin to children on the Medicines for Children website.

Amoxicillin is not suitable for everyone. To make sure amoxicillin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin or penicillin or any other medicine
• have liver or kidney problems
• have recently had, or are due to have, any vaccinations

4. How and when to take amoxicillin

Dosage

The usual dose of amoxicillin capsules is 250mg to 500mg, taken 3 times a day. The dose may be lower for children.

Amoxicillin liquid is available in 125mg and 250mg doses.

Important

Carry on taking this medicine until you’ve completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.

How to take it

Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, this could be first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon and at bedtime.

You can take amoxicillin before or after food.

Swallow amoxicillin capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.

Amoxicillin is available as a liquid for children and people who find it difficult to swallow capsules.

If you or your child are taking liquid amoxicillin, it will usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of amoxicillin is unlikely to harm you or your child, but speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

You have taken more than your prescribed dose of amoxicillin and have symptoms including:

• stomach pain or you’re being sick
• blood in your pee
• difficulty peeing or producing less pee than usual

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, amoxicillin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects happen in around 1 in 10 people. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Call a doctor or call 111 now if you get:

• diarrhoea (possibly with stomach cramps) that contains blood or mucus or severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than 4 days
• pale poo and dark pee, and the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems
• bruising or changes in your skin colour
• joint or muscle pain that comes on after 2 days of taking the medicine
• a skin rash with circular red patches (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin)

Some of these serious side effects can happen up to 2 months after finishing the amoxicillin.

Serious allergic reaction

Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to amoxicillin.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and can take the form of a skin rash.

Mild skin rashes can usually be treated by taking antihistamines.

In rare cases, amoxicillin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of amoxicillin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of amoxicillin

What to do about:

• feeling sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your amoxicillin after a meal or snack.
• diarrhoea – drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If you take contraception and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Amoxicillin and pregnancy

It is safe to take amoxicillin during pregnancy.

Amoxicillin and breastfeeding

It is OK to take amoxicillin while breastfeeding. Information shows that only tiny amounts of amoxicillin get into breast milk. Such levels would not be expected to cause side effects in your baby.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife if:

• your baby is not feeding as well as usual
• they have sickness or diarrhoea
• your baby has oral thrush, or a skin rash
• you have any other concerns about your baby

For more information about how amoxicillin can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

8. Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that do not mix well with amoxicillin.

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these medicines before you start taking amoxicillin:

• methotrexate, used to treat arthritis and psoriasis
• warfarin, a medicine to prevent blood clots
• gout medicines called probenecid or allopurinol
• other antibiotics

Tell your doctor if you’ve recently had, or are due to have, an oral typhoid vaccine. Amoxicillin can make it less effective.

Mixing amoxicillin with herbal remedies and supplements

There is little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements alongside amoxicillin.

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about amoxicillin

How does amoxicillin work?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

When will I feel better?

For most infections, you should feel better within a few days.

It’s very important that you keep taking amoxicillin until your course is finished. Do this even if you feel better. It will help stop the infection coming back.

What if I do not get better?

Tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after taking amoxicillin for 3 days. Also tell them if, at any time, you start to feel worse.

Will it give me thrush?

Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin. If you think you have thrush, speak to your pharmacist or ask your doctor for advice.

How does amoxicillin compare with other antibiotics?

Amoxicillin and other penicillins, like phenoxymethylpenicillin, are antibiotics that are widely used to treat a variety of infections, including skin, dental, throat and chest infections.

Not all antibiotics are suitable for every infection. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that’s suitable for the type of infection you have. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Will it affect my contraception?

Amoxicillin does not stop contraceptive pills working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

However, if amoxicillin makes you sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Find about more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick or have diarrhoea.

Will it affect my fertility?

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking amoxicillin reduces fertility in either men or women.

Does it stain teeth?

If you or your child take amoxicillin as a liquid medicine, it can stain your teeth. This does not last and should go after brushing your teeth well.

Amoxicillin capsules do not stain teeth.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Yes. Amoxicillin should not affect you being able to drive or cycle.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking amoxicillin.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with amoxicillin.

Tick-borne borreliosis (Lyme disease) – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Infectious pathology proceeds according to a standard algorithm, which includes 3 stages, corresponding to the characteristics of pathogenesis. Stages I and II are conventionally combined into the early phase of infection, and stage III represents the late phase of the disease. Each of the stages of Lyme borreliosis has a special symptom complex. In a separate category, a latent form is distinguished, in which there are no clinical signs, but the pathogen is in the body.

Stage I

At the initial stage, a person experiences signs of general intoxication: fever, chills, headaches and body aches occur. Less common are sore throat, dry cough and runny nose. Intense muscle pain and stiffness of the neck muscles are possible. The symptoms are similar to the flu and other respiratory infections.

The pathognomonic sign of borreliosis is erythema migrans annulare (ME), which manifests itself at the site of a tick bite. First, a red spot appears, which increases in size within a few days. Its edges remain bright red and slightly swollen, and the center turns pale, which is why the redness looks like a ring. The condition is accompanied by an increase in the lymph nodes, which are located near the bite. ME has a diameter of up to 20 cm, in rare cases it reaches a size of 50-60 cm. Redness is most often located on the legs, in the axillary and inguinal regions. If there have been several tick bites, a corresponding number of annular elements may occur. Erythema persists for 2-3 weeks, after which it disappears through the stage of residual pigmentation and desquamation.

In 30% of patients, the symptoms of tick-borne borreliosis are not accompanied by the appearance of ME. In this case, a small inflamed area is formed at the site of suction of the parasite. Occasionally, the disease is accompanied by benign lymphoplasia of the skin, which is also called lymphocytoma. It is manifested by painful bluish-red nodes, which are mainly localized on the face, around the mammary glands, in the genital area. Reactive lymphoproliferation persists for several months and resolves spontaneously.

The duration of stage I is 3-30 days. With the timely start of treatment, it is possible to completely remove the symptoms and eliminate negative long-term consequences. If therapy has not been carried out, the disease passes to stage II of development.

Stage II

Symptoms of the second stage of the disease occur in 10-15% of patients. This stage proceeds with the involvement of 3 body systems: nervous, cardiovascular, osteoarticular. In typical cases, borreliosis is manifested by the pathology of one of the 3 above-mentioned systems, but occasionally combined pathologies develop.

When the nervous system is involved in the process, the following symptoms of borreliosis occur:

1. Meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Infectious damage to the brain is manifested by severe headaches, repeated vomiting, increased susceptibility to bright light and loud sounds. Characterized by soreness of the occipital muscles, pain when moving the eyes. About a third of patients complain of drowsiness during the day and constant insomnia at night, memory impairment, emotional instability.
2. Neuritis of the cranial nerves. Most often, with Lyme borreliosis, the facial nerves are affected, which is accompanied by numbness of half of the face, drooping of the corner of the mouth, and speech disorders. Less often, the oculomotor, abducens, and optic nerves are involved in the process, which leads to complex disorders in the work of the visual analyzer.
3. Bannwart’s meningoradiculoneuritis. This is a disease specific to tick-borne borreliosis, in which the patient has a combination of signs of meningitis, damage to the cranial nerves and roots extending from the spinal cord. In addition to typical meningeal signs, intense pain in the neck and chest, paresis and paralysis of skeletal muscles, impaired coordination of movements and the ability to maintain balance develop.

Cardiovascular pathologies are registered in 10% of patients after 5-6 weeks from the onset of the infectious symptom complex. They are represented by pain in the left side of the chest, increased heart rate, a feeling of fading and interruptions in the work of the heart. Shortness of breath and dizziness caused by circulatory failure are also observed. In severe cases, pericarditis, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy are possible.

Lyme disease typically involves the musculoskeletal system. Lyme arthritis occurs with damage to the large joints of the body as arthralgia, recurrent benign or chronic arthritis. These forms can pass into each other or appear in isolation. A feature of arthritis is inflammation of one or two large joints, in contrast to rheumatoid diseases, which primarily affect small joints and are characterized by symmetrical inflammation. The differential signs of Lyme arthritis include the same intensity of pain and stiffness, which does not depend on the time of day and the patient’s physical activity. Symptoms have an undulating course with periods of exacerbation lasting from several days to several weeks.

More rare symptoms include:

• red rash on palms;
• blistering eruption;
• benign skin lymphocytoma;
• myositis;
• generalized lymphadenopathy;
• hepatitis;
• jade;
• bronchitis;
• orchitis in men.