Amoxil Dosage: Simple Answers for Everyday Use
If you’ve been prescribed Amoxil (amoxicillin), the first question is always “how much should I take?” The answer depends on age, infection type, and kidney function. Below you’ll find clear dosing tables, practical tips for taking the pill, and what to do if you miss a dose.
Standard Dosage Recommendations
Adults: Most infections are treated with 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours. For milder cases, doctors may suggest 250 mg three times daily. The total course usually lasts 7‑10 days, but follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
Children (based on weight): Doses are calculated as 20‑40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into two or three doses. For example, a child weighing 15 kg might get 300‑600 mg per day, given as 150 mg every 12 hours.
Kidney problems: If you have reduced kidney function, the dose is lowered to prevent buildup. Your doctor may order blood tests and adjust the amount accordingly.
Always take Amoxil with a full glass of water. Food doesn’t interfere, so you can swallow it before or after meals – whichever feels easier on your stomach.
Special Situations & Adjustments
Forgot a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. Don’t double‑dose to catch up; this can increase side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
Severe infections: For pneumonia, sinusitis, or ear infections, doctors sometimes prescribe a higher dose—up to 1 g every 6 hours. This is only for short periods and under close supervision.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Amoxil is generally considered safe, but you should still discuss any concerns with your OB‑GYN. The dosage doesn’t change; just make sure you complete the full course.
Allergy warning: If you’ve reacted to penicillin before (rash, hives, breathing trouble), tell your doctor right away. They’ll switch you to a different antibiotic.
When you finish the prescription, store any leftover pills in a cool, dry place and discard them if they’re past the expiration date. Never share Amoxil with friends or family – what works for one infection might not be right for another.
Bottom line: follow the exact dosage your doctor writes, keep the schedule consistent, and finish the full course even if you feel better early. Doing so clears the infection and helps stop antibiotic resistance in its tracks.