Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called penicillins and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is available only with a prescription from a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.
What is Amoxicillin Used For?
Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, including:
- Ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Sinus infections
- Strep throat
- Pneumonia
- Lyme disease
- Bronchitis
- Gonorrhea
- Whooping cough
- Salmonellosis
- Dental abscess
It’s commonly prescribed for children with middle ear infections and strep throat. It can also be used in combination with other antibiotics to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
How Does Amoxicillin Work?
Amoxicillin works by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. Amoxicillin prevents the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, causing them to break down and die.
Amoxicillin is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means it works against many different types of bacteria. However, some strains of bacteria have developed resistance to amoxicillin.
Dosage Information for Amoxicillin
The dose of amoxicillin depends on the infection being treated, the patient’s weight, and kidney function. The typical amoxicillin dosage for adults is 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours or 500 mg to 850 mg every 12 hours.
For children, the dosage is based on weight. Common pediatric dosages are:
- Less than 20 lbs: 125 mg every 8 hours
- 21-40 lbs: 250 mg every 8 hours
- Over 40 lbs: Dosage same as adults
For severe infections, the dose may be doubled. Amoxicillin should be taken with or without food but is best absorbed when taken at the start of a meal.
How Long is an Amoxicillin Prescription Valid For?
An amoxicillin prescription is typically valid for 7-10 days. You should complete the entire course as prescribed by your doctor, even if symptoms improve. Not finishing the full course increases the risk that the infection will return.
Stopping amoxicillin treatment early can also lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes the bacteria harder to kill with amoxicillin or related antibiotics in the future.
Can You Buy Amoxicillin Over the Counter?
No, amoxicillin is not available over the counter. It requires a prescription from a licensed medical professional. There are currently no over-the-counter equivalents to amoxicillin available.
Taking antibiotics without a prescription is dangerous. Self-medicating with antibiotics puts you at risk for taking the wrong medication, dose, or duration.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking antibiotics.
Why Do You Need a Prescription for Amoxicillin?
There are several important reasons amoxicillin requires a prescription:
- A doctor must diagnose the infection and determine if amoxicillin is the right antibiotic to use.
- The correct dose and duration must be prescribed based on the type and severity of infection.
- Amoxicillin has potential side effects and interactions that need medical supervision.
- Overuse of amoxicillin can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Pharmacy regulation prevents dispensing certain medications without a valid medical prescription.
Requiring a prescription controls unnecessary use and helps prevent antibiotic resistance from developing.
How to Get a Prescription for Amoxicillin
To get an amoxicillin prescription, follow these steps:
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor. A doctor will evaluate your condition and determine if amoxicillin is appropriate.
- Provide your full medical history and any drug allergies. This helps avoid adverse reactions.
- If amoxicillin is prescribed, follow the dosage instructions carefully. Take the full course as directed.
- Fill the prescription at your local pharmacy. You may need to provide medical insurance information.
- Complete any lab tests if required by your doctor to confirm the infection is healed.
- Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they worsen.
Do not share or use leftover amoxicillin without consulting a doctor first. Always obtain a new prescription for each infection treated.
How Much Does Amoxicillin Cost?
The cost for amoxicillin can range from $10 to $25 for a 7 to 10 day supply. The price varies based on:
- Pharmacy location
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Whether you have prescription insurance
- Availability of generic versions
With insurance, amoxicillin typically costs between $5 to $10. Without insurance, the price is usually $10 to $15. The brand name Amoxil is more expensive than generic amoxicillin.
Using a prescription discount card can help lower the price. Many pharmacies also offer discounted generic antibiotic programs which can reduce costs.
Does Insurance Cover Amoxicillin?
Most health insurance plans cover amoxicillin with a doctor’s prescription. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan.
With insurance, most plans require a small copay for generic amoxicillin, often $10 or less. Using a preferred pharmacy network can lower copays. Without insurance, you’ll need to pay the full price out-of-pocket.
Where Can You Buy Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is available at any pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. You can get it at:
- Major pharmacy/drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
- Grocery stores and supermarkets with a pharmacy
- Independent pharmacies
- Online pharmacies like HealthWarehouse and Honeybee Health (with a valid prescription)
- Mail-order pharmacies
Always provide the pharmacist with your prescription and medical history before purchasing amoxicillin. Only buy from verified, accredited sources.
Can a Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Amoxicillin?
Yes, a nurse practitioner can prescribe amoxicillin in most states. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are licensed clinicians with advanced education and clinical training.
NPs can diagnose common infections and write prescriptions for medications like antibiotics. They can prescribe amoxicillin for bacterial infections within their scope of practice and regional regulations.
Can a Physician Assistant Prescribe Amoxicillin?
Yes, physician assistants (PAs) can prescribe amoxicillin with the proper credentialing. PAs undergo medical training and work under the supervision of medical doctors.
With oversight from a supervising physician, PAs have prescription privileges and can prescribe medications including antibiotics. They can diagnose infections and provide amoxicillin prescriptions when clinically appropriate and allowed by state laws.
Can You Get Amoxicillin from Urgent Care?
Yes, you can get an amoxicillin prescription from an urgent care clinic. Urgent care provides fast, walk-in medical treatment for common illnesses and injuries.
Urgent care clinicians like doctors and nurse practitioners can prescribe antibiotics when appropriate for diagnosed bacterial infections. They can write amoxicillin prescriptions and provide any needed lab tests.
Urgent care offers a convenient option when your primary doctor is unavailable and you need prompt treatment. Costs are usually lower than an emergency room yet higher than a regular doctor visit.
Can You Get Amoxicillin Online?
Purchasing amoxicillin online without a valid prescription is illegal, unsafe and unethical. However, you can buy amoxicillin online with a prescription from a licensed online pharmacy or through telemedicine services.
Options include:
- Online doctor visit that provides a prescription you can fill at an online pharmacy
- Mail-order pharmacy service with an existing prescription
- Legitimate online pharmacy with prescription transfer from your local provider
Use caution when purchasing amoxicillin online and only order from reputable pharmacies with licensed pharmacists available for consultation.
Important Warnings When Taking Amoxicillin
It’s crucial to take amoxicillin properly and be aware of potential risks:
- Take the full prescription course even if you feel better.
- Do not take if you are allergic to amoxicillin or penicillin.
- Let your doctor know if you have kidney disease, liver problems, or mononucleosis which can impact treatment.
- Avoid alcohol while taking amoxicillin as it can increase side effects.
- Amoxicillin can make birth control pills less effective. Discuss with your doctor.
- Let all doctors know you are taking amoxicillin before scheduling procedures or taking new medications.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about any concerns with taking amoxicillin before starting your prescription.
What are the Side Effects of Amoxicillin?
Common amoxicillin side effects are usually mild and temporary. They include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Rash
- Vaginal itching or discharge
Rare but serious side effects require medical care and include severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Stop taking amoxicillin and seek emergency care if you have symptoms like:
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Hives or severe rash
Talk to your doctor if side effects don’t improve or if new symptoms develop.
What Antibiotics Cannot Be Taken With Amoxicillin?
Certain antibiotics should not be taken at the same time as amoxicillin:
- Doxycycline – increased risk of kidney problems
- Tetracycline – decreased absorption and effectiveness
- Chloramphenicol – impaired antibiotic action
- Erythromycin – possible liver toxicity
- Sulfamethoxazole – anti-bacterial interference
Discuss all current medications with your doctor before starting amoxicillin. Also avoid antacids and calcium supplements near the time of taking amoxicillin as they can impair absorption.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Amoxicillin?
It’s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking amoxicillin. Drinking alcohol can cause increased side effects like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
Alcohol also slows the elimination of amoxicillin from the body. This can increase levels of the drug in your system and worsen side effects.
Check with your doctor about alcohol consumption when taking antibiotics. If you do drink, have only light intake and monitor your response.
Does Amoxicillin Expire?
Yes, amoxicillin does expire. The expiry date is printed on the medication label by the manufacturer and pharmacist. Amoxicillin typically expires within 1 to 2 years from production.
You should not take amoxicillin that has passed the expiry date. After the expiry date, degradation of the active drug occurs and potency decreases. Taking expired amoxicillin could result in treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.
Properly discard any expired or leftover amoxicillin. Contact your pharmacy if you have questions about drug expiration.
Can You Crush Amoxicillin Tablets?
Crushing amoxicillin tablets is often recommended for children or adults who have trouble swallowing pills. It’s best to crush amoxicillin tablets using a mortar and pestle or a pill crusher/splitter.
Avoid just simply chewing amoxicillin tablets which can lead to a bitter taste. The powder from a crushed tablet can be mixed with water or food like pudding.
However, extended-release amoxicillin tablets should never be crushed. Check your prescription directions or consult a pharmacist before altering medication form.
How Long Does It Take Amoxicillin to Work?
Amoxicillin begins working very quickly, often within hours of the first dose. However, it may take several days for symptoms to fully improve.
Most bacterial infections require a full course of antibiotic treatment to ensure the infection is completely eliminated. It’s important to keep taking amoxicillin according to the prescription schedule.
Let your doctor know if symptoms do not start improving within the first few days of starting amoxicillin or if they worsen.
How Long Does Amoxicillin Stay in Your System?
The half-life of amoxicillin is around 1 to 1.5 hours. This means it takes about 1.5 hours for levels of amoxicillin in the body to decrease by half. Amoxicillin stays in the body for about 6 to 8 hours after the last dose.
However, trace amounts can be detected in the urine for 2 to 3 days after the final dose. People with impaired kidney function retain amoxicillin for longer periods. Amoxicillin does not accumulate in the body with standard doses.
Conclusion
Amoxicillin is an effective antibiotic for treating various types of bacterial infections. However, it should only be taken under medical guidance and supervision. Self-prescribing antibiotics like amoxicillin can be dangerous.
To safely obtain amoxicillin, schedule a medical evaluation, get a valid prescription from a doctor, and fill it at a trusted pharmacy. Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Let your doctor know if you experience any side effects or issues taking amoxicillin.