Amoxicillin
A broad-spectrum penicillin for chest, ear, sinus and some urine infections. Adults usually 500 mg three times a day; children 40–90 mg/kg/day.
Common brands in Pakistan: Amoxil. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Uses
- Community-acquired pneumonia (low severity).
- Acute otitis media, sinusitis, dental infections (with metronidazole).
- Part of H. pylori eradication.
- IV in young infants with suspected sepsis or meningitis (Listeria cover).
Adult dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Chest infection or pneumonia (mild) | 500 mg orally 3 times daily for 5 days (1 g 3 times daily if more severe) |
| Sinusitis, dental infection | 500 mg orally 3 times daily for 5 days |
| H. pylori (with PPI and clarithromycin or metronidazole) | 1 g orally twice daily for 7–14 days |
| IV (severe infection) | 500 mg–1 g IV every 8 hours (up to 2 g every 4–6 hours in meningitis) |
Children's dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Most infections (otitis media, pneumonia) | 40 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses (up to 80–90 mg/kg/day in 2–3 doses in some guidance), max 3 g/day |
| IV, infants under 3 months with sepsis or meningitis | 50 mg/kg every 6–8 hours (neonatal protocols vary) |
Kidney and liver
- Creatinine clearance 10–30 mL/min: reduce dose or give every 12 hours; below 10: every 24 hours (per your drug reference).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects and cautions
- Diarrhoea, nausea, rash.
- Allergy: avoid in penicillin allergy; ask what the reaction was.
- Glandular fever: amoxicillin causes a widespread rash.
Frequently asked questions
What is the amoxicillin dose for a child?
Usually 40 mg/kg/day divided into 3 doses; higher doses (80–90 mg/kg/day) are used for some ear infections.
Can amoxicillin be given in pregnancy?
Yes. It is one of the safest antibiotics in pregnancy.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Amoxicillin is covered in our textbook chapter Antibacterial drugs, with practice MCQs.