Amoxicillin
(Amoxycillin)
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox)
amoxycillin (Amoxil, Polymox)
Amoxicillin
(ah-mox-ih- SILL-in) Amox Amoxil Amoxil Pediatric Drops Apo-Amoxi Novamoxin Nu-Amoxi Pro-Amox Trimox Trimox Pediatric Drops Wymox (Rx)
NOTE: All products are amoxicillin trihydrate.

Classification: Antibiotic, penicillin

See Also: See also Anti-Infectives and Penicillins.

Action/Kinetics: Semisynthetic broad-spectrum penicillin closely related to ampicillin. Destroyed by penicillinase, acid stable, and better absorbed than ampicillin. From 50% to 80% of a PO dose is absorbed from the GI tract. Peak serum levels: PO: 4-11 mcg/mL after 1-2 hr. t 1/2: 60 min. Mostly excreted unchanged in urine.

Uses: Gram-positive streptococcal infections including Streptococcus faecalis, S. pneumoniae and non-penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Gram-negative infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In combination with omeprazole and clarithromycin to treat duodenal ulcers by eradicating Helicobacter pylori.

Special Concerns: Safe use during pregnancy has not been established.

How Supplied: Capsule: 250 mg, 500 mg; Chewable tablet: 125 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 400 mg; Powder for oral suspension: 50 mg/mL, 125 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, 400 mg/5 mL; Tablet: 500 mg, 875 mg

Dosage
?Capsules, Oral Suspension, Chewable Tablets Susceptible infections of ear, nose, throat, GU tract, skin and soft tissues.
Adults and children over 20 kg: 250-500 mg q 8 hr; alternatively, 500 mg or 875 mg q 12 hr. Children under 20 kg: 20-40 (or more) mg/kg/day in three equal doses. For children, dosing of 200 mg q 12 can be given as an alternative to 125 mg q 8 hr and a dose of 400 mg q 12 hr can be given in place of 250 mg q 8 hr. The pediatric dose should not exceed the maximum adult dose.
Infections of the lower respiratory tract.
Adults and children over 20 kg: 500 mg q 8 hr. Children under 20 kg: 40 mg/kg/day in divided doses q 8 hr.
Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis: dental, oral, or upper respiratory tract procedures in those at risk.
Adults: 2 g (50 mg/kg for children) PO 1 hr prior to procedure.
Prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis: GU or GI procedures.
Adults, standard regimen: 2 g ampicillin plus 1.5 mg/kg gentamicin not to exceed 80 mg, either IM or IV, 30 min prior to procedure, followed by 1.5 g amoxicillin. Children, standard regimen: 50 mg/kg ampicillin plus 2 mg/kg gentamicin 30 min prior to procedure, followed by 25 mg/kg amoxcillin.. Adults, moderate risk: 2 g PO 1 hr prior to procedure. Children, moderate risk: 50 mg/kg PO 1 hr pior to procedure. Adults, alternate low-risk regimen: 3 g 1 hr before procedure, followed by 1.5 g 6 hr after the initial dose.
Treat H. pylori infections.
Three regimens using amoxicillin may be used: (1) A ten day course of therapy consisting of amoxicillin, 1,000 mg b.i.d.; clarithromycin, 500 mg b.i.d.; and either omeprazole, 20 mg b.i.d. or lansoprazole, 30 mg b.i.d. (2) A ten day course of therapy consisting of amoxicillin, 1,000 mg b.i.d. and clarithromycin, 500 mg b.i.d. plus ranitidine bismuth citrate, 400 mg b.i.d. for 4 weeks. (3) A ten-day regimen of Prevpac (lansoprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin).
Gonococcal infections, uncomplicated urethral, endocervial, or rectal infections.
Adults: 3 g as a single PO dose. Children, over 2 years (prepubertal): 50 mg/kg amoxicillin combined with 25 mg/kg probenecid as a single dose.
Chlamydia trachomatis during pregnancy (as an alternative to erythromycin).
0.5 g t.i.d. for 7 days.