Amoxicillin
What is Amoxicillin for?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic for treating or preventing bacterial infections, including but not limited to the following:
- Suspected infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), sinusitis, uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia, salmonellosis, oral infections
- Acute exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Ear infection (acute otitis media)
- Dental abscess
- Bladder infection (UTIs)
- Prevention of infective endocarditis
- H pylori eradication (in combination with other antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor)
How to use it?
For suspected infections (including urinary tract infections, sinusitis, uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia, salmonellosis, oral infections)
Oral
Adult
500 mg every 8 hours, increase if necessary up to 1 g 3 times daily, use increased dose in severe infections
Child 1-11 months
125 mg 3 times daily, increase if necessary up to 30 mg/kg 3 times daily
Child 1-4 years
250 mg 3 times daily, increase if necessary up to 30 mg/kg 3 times daily
Child 5-11 years
500 mg 3 times daily, increase if necessary up to 30 mg/kg 3 times daily (max dose 1g)
Child 12-17 years
500 mg 3 times daily, increase if necessary to 1 g 3 times daily, used increased dose in severe infections
For acute exacerbation of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Oral
Adult
500 mg 3 times daily for 5 days, doses can be increased for severe infections up to 1 g 3 times daily
For acute otitis media
Oral
Child 1-11 months
125 mg 3 times daily for 5-7 days
Child 1-4 years
250 mg 3 times daily for 5-7 days
Child 5-17 years
500 mg 3 times daily for 5-7 days
Your children may also be prescribed Amoxicillin in respect of their weights. The dosage is 80-90 mg/kg per day in divided doses every 8-12 hours (maximum: 3000 mg daily) according to the Centre for Health Protection.
For H pylori eradication (usually used in combination with other antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor)
Oral
Adult
1 g twice daily
Who should not take Amoxicillin?
- Anyone who has an allergy to Amoxicillin or other penicillins.
Pharmacist Tips:
- Antibiotics like Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consider using another form of contraception while taking Amoxicillin.
Common dosing schedule:
Amoxicillin is usually taken before meals.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Amoxicillin may interact with:
- Methotrexate
- Oral contraceptives
- Warfarin
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Amoxicillin in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Amoxicillin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Amoxicillin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
- 250mg / 500mg (Capsules)
- 600mg / 1.2g (Injections)
- 156mg/5ml / 312.5mg/5ml / 457 mg/5ml (Oral Suspension)
- 375mg / 625mg / 1000mg (Tablets)