Amoxicillin
In stock
250mg · 500mg
from 28,93 £
In brief
- Amoxicillin is a prescription-only antibiotic (POM) in the UK. It is sold under brand names such as Amoxil and is commonly supplied in tablets, capsules, oral suspension, dispersible tablets, chewable tablets and sachets.
- Amoxicillin is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, otitis media, urinary tract infections, tonsillitis, and, in combination therapy, H. pylori eradication. It is a penicillin-type beta-lactam antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which leads to bacterial death.
- The usual dose depends on the infection and patient age. Adults commonly take 500 mg every 8 hours, increased to 1 g every 8 hours for severe infections. For children, dosing is typically 20 to 50 mg/kg/day divided into 2 to 3 doses, with weight-based adjustment and a maximum dose depending on the condition.
- Amoxicillin is available as oral capsules and tablets, oral suspension powder, dispersible tablets, chewable tablets, sachets of granules, and, less commonly, intravenous preparations.
- Amoxicillin usually starts working within 1 to 2 hours after taking a dose, although improvement in symptoms may take 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the infection.
- The duration of action is generally around 8 to 12 hours, which is why it is often taken two to three times daily. Treatment courses commonly last 5 to 7 days, or 10 days for streptococcal throat infections.
- Alcohol should generally be avoided or limited during treatment, as it may worsen side effects such as stomach upset and dizziness and can make recovery less comfortable.
- The most common side effects are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. Headache and taste disturbance may also occur.
- Would you like to try amoxicillin without a prescription?
Legal status and availability in the UK
Amoxicillin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, amoxicillin is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Access usually runs through NHS prescribing or private prescribing rather than over-the-counter sale.
Clinical effectiveness in NHS practice
Does amoxicillin actually make people feel better, and how quickly should that happen?
In NHS practice, it is used when a bacterial infection is thought to be likely and when the likely organism remains sensitive to a penicillin antibiotic.
Patients often report reduced fever, less pain, and a shorter illness once the infection begins to settle.
That said, the medicine does not help viral illness, and it will not fix symptoms that are being driven by inflammation alone.
In a typical GP consultation, a clinician weighs up the symptom pattern, duration, examination findings, and whether the illness looks self-limiting.
NHS 111 may advise a pharmacy review, self-care, or escalation depending on red flags and duration.
Pharmacy-led signposting matters because many people first ask at the counter whether they need an antibiotic or whether they should wait and watch.
| Condition | Typical response | Common issues |
|---|---|---|
| Chest, ear, sinus, and throat infections | Fever, pain, and pressure may improve over a few days if the infection is bacterial | Diarrhoea, rash, and the risk of poor adherence if the course feels long |
| Urinary tract infection | Burning and frequency may ease once treatment starts working | Resistance concerns if the organism is not sensitive |
| H. pylori combination treatment | Used with other medicines as part of eradication therapy | Multiple medicines make side effects and adherence harder |
| Strep throat | Sore throat and fever often settle as bacterial load falls | The full course is usually needed even if the throat feels better early |
Amoxicillin is a prescription-only medicine, with common oral forms including amoxicillin tablets, amoxicillin capsules, and oral suspension.
Adult dosing is commonly 500 mg every 8 hours, increased to 1 g every 8 hours for severe infections, while children are usually dosed by weight.
Oral suspension is often preferred for children under 10 years because it is easier to measure and swallow accurately.
The real-world challenge is that symptoms can improve before the course is finished, which is exactly when adherence tends to slip.
Indications and expanded uses in the United Kingdom
Which infections does amoxicillin cover in UK practice, and where does local guidance draw the line?
In the NHS and private settings, it is used for upper and lower respiratory infections, otitis media, sinusitis, streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis, some urinary tract infections, and combination regimens for H. pylori.
It may also appear in specialist or local guideline use where a clinician has judged that a penicillin is the right empirical treatment before culture results are available.
Amoxicillin is classified as J01CA04, which places it in the group of penicillins with extended spectrum.
In plain English, that means it is still a penicillin, but it covers a wider range of common bacteria than older narrow penicillins.
- Off-label
- Use for a condition or dose that is not listed in the official product information.
- Empirical treatment
- Starting an antibiotic based on the most likely cause before test results are known.
- Spectrum
- The range of bacteria an antibiotic can treat.
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
- Otitis media and sinusitis.
- Streptococcal tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
- Selected urinary tract infections.
- H. pylori eradication as part of combination therapy.
Most UK prescribers now choose with resistance trends in mind, which is why local NHS guidelines can differ from one area to another.
That is especially true for sinusitis, tonsillitis and urinary tract infection, where clinical context matters more than a simple diagnosis label.
Composition, brands and UK product forms
Is amoxicillin always the same medicine, even when the box looks different?
Yes.
The INN is amoxicillin.
Branding and packaging vary, but the active ingredient is the same when the product has the same approved strength and formulation.
| Brand or form | Supplier | Common strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Amoxil | GlaxoSmithKline | Tablets, capsules, powder for oral suspension |
| Generic amoxicillin | Sandoz, Mylan, Sun Pharma and other manufacturers | 250 mg, 500 mg |
| Powder for oral suspension | Multiple manufacturers | 125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL, 400 mg/5 mL |
Across pharmacies, the most familiar presentations are tablets, capsules, dispersible tablets, chewable tablets, and powder for oral suspension.
Chewables and dispersible forms are useful when swallowing is difficult, while oral liquid preparations are the usual choice for children or people who need flexible dosing.
Intravenous forms are used in hospital, but patients most often see oral products.
Contraindications and special precautions
When should amoxicillin be avoided completely, and when does it just need extra caution?
The main concern is allergy, because genuine penicillin allergy can be serious.
Any previous anaphylaxis to a beta-lactam antibiotic must be treated as urgent and as a strong reason not to use amoxicillin again unless a specialist has advised otherwise.
It is also important to remember that some people carry an “antibiotic allergy” label that is not fully verified, but any history of severe swelling, wheeze, or collapse must be taken seriously.
- Do not use: known allergy to amoxicillin, penicillins, excipients, or prior anaphylaxis to beta-lactams.
- Use caution: asthma, previous allergy history, mononucleosis, renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, and older age.
- Seek help urgently: rash with swelling, breathing difficulty, wheeze, facial swelling, or severe diarrhoea.
Driving is usually not restricted by the medicine itself, but dizziness or feeling unwell can make driving unsafe.
Alcohol does not have a major direct interaction, yet if the infection is making you sick, dehydrated, or unsettled, alcohol is best avoided.
Seek medical advice quickly if a rash spreads, if there is trouble breathing, or if diarrhoea becomes severe or persistent.
Dosage guidelines used in the United Kingdom
What dose is usually given, and why do children often get a different form?
The dose depends on the infection, age, weight, kidney function, and local guideline.
In UK practice, simple infections are commonly treated for 5 to 7 days, strep throat for 10 days, and more complicated or severe infections for up to 14 days.
| Condition | Age group | Usual dose |
|---|---|---|
| Upper or lower respiratory infection, otitis, sinusitis | Adults | 500 mg every 8 hours (up to 1 g every 8 hours in severe infection) |
| Upper or lower respiratory infection, otitis, sinusitis | Children | 20 to 40 mg/kg divided every 8 to 12 hours, maximum 1 g per dose |
| Streptococcal tonsillitis or pharyngitis | Adults | 500 mg every 8 hours |
| Streptococcal tonsillitis or pharyngitis | Children | 25 to 50 mg/kg/day in 2 to 3 doses |
| Urinary tract infection | Adults | 500 mg every 8 to 12 hours |
| H. pylori eradication | Adults | Up to 1 g every 12 hours as part of combination therapy |
For children, oral suspension is preferred under 10 years of age, because it is easier to dose accurately by weight.
Renal adjustment matters, especially when GFR is below 30 mL/min, where the dosing interval is usually extended to every 12 to 24 hours rather than every 8 hours.
Older adults usually start on standard adult doses but need renal function monitored if there are any concerns.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, but skip it if the next one is close; never double up.
Interactions overview: food, drink and medicines
Do you need to take amoxicillin with food, or avoid particular drinks?
There are relatively few food interactions, but taking it with meals can make it easier on the stomach.
People often ask about amoxicillin and alcohol, tea, and coffee.
No major direct interaction is usually expected with these drinks, but stomach upset, dehydration, and the illness itself can make alcohol a poor choice while you are recovering.
- Food: may be taken with or without food, though food can help tolerance.
- Alcohol: no major direct interaction is usually expected, but it may worsen feeling unwell.
- Tea and coffee: no routine direct interaction is expected.
- Other medicines: always check for possible conflicts with a pharmacist or prescriber.
| Medicine or situation | Usual UK counselling point |
|---|---|
| Contraceptive pill | Check advice if vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs, as absorption can be affected |
| Anticoagulants | Extra monitoring may be needed if prescribed together |
| Methotrexate | Potential interaction risk, so the combination should be checked carefully |
| Allopurinol | Rash risk can be higher when used together |
Yellow Card reporting remains important in the UK because uncommon adverse reactions are often first picked up in real-world use rather than in early trials.
That is why a pharmacist will usually ask what else you take before you start amoxicillin.
Comparable medicines and prescribing preferences
Why choose amoxicillin instead of another beta-lactam?
In many everyday infections, it is preferred because it has good oral bioavailability, familiar dosing, and a narrow-spectrum profile that fits antimicrobial stewardship.
Clinicians may choose alternatives when resistant organisms are suspected or when beta-lactamase production is likely.
| Medicine | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Amoxicillin | Well known, oral forms are practical, narrower spectrum | Not suitable if allergy is present or resistance is likely |
| Ampicillin | Similar spectrum | Less bioavailable orally |
| Cefalexin | Useful alternative in some infections | Different class, so selection depends on the clinical picture |
| Co-amoxiclav / Augmentin | Broader cover where resistant organisms are suspected | Broader spectrum can be less ideal for stewardship |
The choice between amoxicillin and co-amoxiclav follows the same logic: the first is often chosen when narrow-spectrum treatment is enough, while the second is used when beta-lactamase production is a concern.
Cefalexin and ampicillin remain alternatives, but the prescriber will usually be guided by site of infection, resistance risk, and previous allergy history.
Frequently asked questions about amoxicillin
How quickly does amoxicillin work?
People often notice improvement within a couple of days if the infection is bacterial and the organism is sensitive, but the full course may still need to be finished.
Can I drink alcohol on it?
There is no major direct interaction in most cases, but alcohol can make stomach upset and dehydration worse, so it is often better to avoid it until you feel well.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is due soon, and do not double the amount.
Why have I been given suspension instead of tablets?
Suspension is often used for children or for anyone who finds tablets difficult to swallow, and it allows weight-based dosing.
If you take too much, or if swelling, wheeze, or a severe rash appears, seek urgent medical advice straight away.
Proper use and pharmacist-style counselling in the United Kingdom
What would a UK pharmacist normally tell you when handing over amoxicillin?
The advice is straightforward, but it makes a real difference to treatment success.
- Take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed.
- Complete the full course unless a clinician tells you to stop.
- Check the label for the exact dose, timing, and number of days.
- Use the right measuring device for oral suspension.
- Drink plenty of fluids unless you have been told to restrict them.
- Watch for allergy symptoms, especially rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
- Contact a pharmacist or prescriber if symptoms worsen or fail to improve.
| Form | Storage advice | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Tablets and capsules | Store below 25°C and keep dry | Keep in the original packaging |
| Oral suspension | Refrigerate after reconstitution | Discard after the label’s use-by window, often 7 to 14 days |
| All forms | Protect from light and freezing | Keep out of the reach of children |
NHS patient portals can help you track the prescription, and they are useful when you need to check the medicine name, dose, or repeat status quickly.
If you are unsure whether symptoms are settling, or if you develop severe diarrhoea, a spreading rash, or any swelling, NHS 111 or urgent care is the right next step.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | North West England | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | North West England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | North East England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | East Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Coventry | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
Delivery times depend on stock, prescription status, and local fulfilment arrangements.
When you are ordering amoxicillin through an online pharmacy, the safest approach is to check the prescription details carefully, follow the dosing instructions on the label, and ask for pharmacist advice if anything looks unclear.
