Amoxicillin Dosage

by on April 26, 2012

Basically, there is no “fixed” amoxicillin dose for specific health conditions. Your healthcare provider determines the effective dose of amoxicillin based on several factors that include: your age and weight, the infective agent, severity of the medical condition, other medications you currently take and other underlying medical conditions you have.

Each patient has a unique situation hence individualized dosage is given to every patient. As with any other medication, never share your prescription with others nor adjust your dosage unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

What is the usual amoxicillin dose?

For the treatment of various bacterial infections in adults, the usual dosing regimens are 250 mg three times a day (every 8 hours), 500 mg three times a day (every 8 hours), 500 mg twice a day (every 12 hours) or 875 mg twice a day (every 12 hours), depending on the infective agent and the severity of infection.

For the treatment of gonorrhea in adults, the usual dose of amoxicillin is 3 g taken as a single dose.

For the treatment of various bacterial infections in children older than 3 month but weighing less than 40 kg, the usual dosing regimens are 25 mg/kg/day twice a day (every 12 hours), 20 mg/kg/day three times a day (every 8 hours), 40 mg/kg/day three times a day (every 12 hours), or 45 mg/kg/day three times a day (12 hours), depending on the infective agent and the severity of infection. Pediatric amoxicillin dose should be taken in divided doses.

It is important to space each dose evenly to maintain the desired drug levels.

What to remember when taking amoxicillin?

  • Take amoxicillin exactly as directed. It can be taken with or without food, or as instructed by your physician.
  • Increase fluid intake while on amoxicillin unless contraindicated in your condition.
  • Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals to maintain constant drug levels in your blood. It is best to take it around the same time of the day.
  • Do not stop taking amoxicillin even if you feel well after a few days. You must complete the entire medication regimen to avoid bacterial resistance. Discontinuing the medication before the prescribed duration may cause the return of the infection.
  • For oral suspension or pediatric drops, make sure that you shake it properly before starting the dose. Use the bottle dropper that comes with it to measure the amount of medication.
  • To reduce the unpleasant taste of oral suspension or pediatric drops, it can be added to or taken along with milk, water, fruit juice or cold drinks. The mixture must be taken completely and immediately.
  • Regular physician visits may be necessary to monitor your response to and progress in the treatment.
  • Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of allergic response to the medication.
  • Inform your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, even after several days of initiating the medication.

If you have any question or don’t understand the prescription label, ask your healthcare provider to clarify it for you.