Amoxil

Class: Penicillin-type beta-lactam antibiotic

Manufacturer: Gsk (for branded) and several generics updated below

Dosage Form: Capsule, Suspension or Tablet

Similar Brands:

Uses:

Used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia)

• Ear, nose, and throat infections (e.g., otitis media, sinusitis, pharyngitis)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Skin and soft tissue infections

• Dental infections

• Helicobacter pylori (in combination therapy)

• Gonorrhoea (specific regimens)

Dosage:

Adults (including elderly):

• Mild to moderate infections:
  250–500 mg every 8 hours

• Severe infections:
  500–875 mg every 8 hours

• High-dose regimens (e.g., for sinusitis or pneumonia):
  Up to 1 g every 8 hours or 3 g twice daily (as directed)

• Dental abscess:
  500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days

• H. pylori eradication (with clarithromycin and PPI):
  1 g twice daily for 7–14 days

• Gonorrhoea (single dose):
  3 g as a single dose with 1 g probenecid

Children (under 40 kg):

• Usual dose:
  20–40 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours
  or 25–45 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours

• Severe infections:
  Up to 90 mg/kg/day in divided doses (max 3 g/day)

• Otitis media or pneumonia (high-dose):
  80–90 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses

• Under 3 months (neonates/infants):
  30 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 12 hours

Dosage should be adjusted in renal impairment.

Side Effects:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, urticaria, superinfections (e.g., candidiasis); rarely anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Warnings & Precautions:

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment

• Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity, especially in patients with history of allergy to beta-lactams

• May cause Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Considered safe; commonly used during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Drug Interactions:

• May reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives

• Increased rash risk with allopurinol

• Enhanced effect of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)

• May alter gut flora affecting other oral drugs

Contraindications:

Known hypersensitivity to amoxicillin or other penicillins

Price: Ksh 150

Notes:

Amoxicillin Brands and Cost (Retail) 

*list updated regularly

1. Amoxil 125mg/5ml 100ml, by gsk, Ksh 700/-
2. Amoxil forte 250/5ml 100ml, by gsk, Ksh 800/-
3. Amoxil capsules 500mg 100s, by gsk, Ksh 4500/-
4. Kemoxyl 250mg dispersible tablets 100s, by Lab & allied, Ksh 500/-