Amoxicillin Forms, Dosages, and Administration

Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin family. It is effective against a variety of bacterial infections, making it a common choice for both adults and children. Understanding the proper dosages, available forms, and administration guidelines is essential for effective treatment.

Forms

Amoxicillin is available in the following dosages and forms:

• tablets (200mg-875mg);
• chewable tablets (125-500mg);
• dispersible tablets (750mg);
• capsules (250mg-500mg);
• oral suspension and dry powder for oral suspension;
• drops (50mg/ml-400 mg/ml) for oral administration;
• injection and dry powder for injection (250mg-1000mg) strengths for intramuscular and intravenous injection. Dosage regimen for various disease conditions, given in table 

Dosages

The dosage of amoxicillin varies based on the type and severity of the infection being treated, as well as the patient’s age and weight. Below are general dosage guidelines.

Adults and Pediatric Patients > 3 Months
Infections / Disease	Severity *	Usual Adult Dose	Usual Dose for Children > 3 Months **
Ear / Nose / Throat	Mild / Moderate	500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours	25 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
	Severe	875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours	45 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
Lower Respiratory Tract	Mild / Moderate or Severe	875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours	45 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
Skin / Skin Structure	Mild / Moderate	500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours	25 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
	Severe	875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours	45 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
Genitourinary Tract	Mild / Moderate	500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours	25 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 20 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
	Severe	875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours	45 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 12 hours or 40 mg / kg / day in divided doses every 8 hours
Gonorrhea		3 grams as single oral dose	Pre-pubertal children:
Acute, uncomplicated ano-genital & urethral infections in males & females			50 mg / kg, combined with 25 mg / kg probenecid as a single dose. Note: since probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years, do not use this regimen in these cases
Duodenal ulcer, (H. pylori ― associated)		― Triple antibiotic therapy: 1000 mg amoxicillin with 500 mg clarithromycin and 30 mg lansoprazole two times a day at twelve-hour intervals for 14 days ― Dual antibiotic therapy: 1000 mg amoxicillin with 30 mg lansoprazole three times a day at 8-hour intervals for 14 days
Bacterial endocarditis (prophylaxis)		― 3 grams 1 hour before the procedure, then 1.5 grams 6 hours after the initial dose

* Dosing for infections caused by less susceptible organisms should follow the recommendations for severe infections.

** The children’s dosage is intended for individuals whose weight is less than 40 kg. Children weighing 40 kg or more should be dosed according to the adult recommendations.

Administration

Administering amoxicillin can vary depending on the formulation, including tablets, capsules, oral suspensions, and injections. Proper administration of amoxicillin is vital for its effectiveness and safety. Whether taking oral forms or receiving injections, following guidelines regarding food intake, preparation of suspensions, and maintaining aseptic techniques for injections will help ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Oral Administration

• Tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water, and they can be taken with or without food. It is important not to chew or break the capsules or tablets to ensure proper release of the medication.
• Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. They can also be taken with or without food.
• Dispersible tablets can be dissolved in water before administration, making them easier to take for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• Oral suspension, the liquid form of Amoxicillin, is often prescribed for children or individuals who cannot swallow pills. To prepare an oral suspension from a dry powder, you need to mix the powder with a specified amount of water. Patients should use a measuring device (like a syringe or dosing spoon) provided by the pharmacist to ensure accurate dosing.

Injection Administration

• Intravenous (IV) injection of Amoxicillin can be administered via slow intravenous injection or infusion. To prepare for IV administration, the powder must be reconstituted with sterile water for injection. After cleaning the vial’s stopper with an alcohol wipe, the appropriate amount of diluent is drawn into a syringe and injected into the vial. The solution is then gently mixed until fully dissolved. For IV administration, it is crucial to follow aseptic techniques to minimize infection risks.
• For an intramuscular (IM) injection, like an IV preparation, amoxicillin powder must also be reconstituted before an IM injection. The prepared solution is then injected into a muscle, typically in the upper arm or thigh.

Administration Tips

Amoxicillin should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Here are some key points regarding administration:

• Doses are typically taken either every eight hours (three times daily) or every twelve hours (twice daily), depending on the prescribed regimen.
• Treatment duration usually ranges from ten days to fourteen days, but some infections may require only a single dose or longer treatment periods.
• It is crucial to complete the entire course of amoxicillin even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication. This helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Special Considerations

1. Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with kidney issues to avoid side effects, as amoxicillin is primarily excreted through the kidneys.
2. Allergies: Patients with a known allergy to penicillin should avoid amoxicillin and inform their healthcare provider. Check the list of contraindications before treatment.
3. Drug Interactions: Always disclose all medications being taken to avoid potential interactions.

Proper administration of amoxicillin is essential not only for achieving desired health outcomes but also for minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance—a growing concern in modern medicine. By adhering to prescribed dosages and administration guidelines, patients can contribute to the effective management of their infections while supporting broader public health efforts against antibiotic resistance. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and to address any questions or concerns regarding amoxicillin treatment. This proactive approach ensures that patients receive the full benefits of their prescribed therapy while maintaining safety and efficacy throughout their treatment journey

If you still have questions about Amoxicillin, check our FAQ’s to get more information.