What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Amoxicillin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate)
Generic Equivalent - Amoxicillin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate)
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Amoxicillin Drug Use and Side Effects
Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls, which kills the bacteria. Healthcare providers may prescribe amoxicillin for infections in the ears, nose, throat, lungs, urinary tract, genital tract, or skin. In adults, it may also be used with other medicines to treat Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to stomach ulcers. Amoxicillin comes in capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid form. It does not treat viral infections such as colds or the flu.
Fact Table
Formula
C16H19N3O5S
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
95% by mouth
Legal status
US: RX Only
Chemical Name
Amoxicillin Trihydrate
Elimination half-life
61.3 minutes
Dosage (Strength)
250mg (21 tablets)
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Amoxil, Larotid
Protein binding
95%
PubChem CID
33613
MedlinePlus
a685001
ChEBI
2676
ATC code
J01CA04
DrugBank
DB01060
KEGG
D07452
Routes of administration
By mouth
Directions
Take amoxicillin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dose depends on the infection and its severity. Adults and children over 40 kg often take 250 to 500 mg every 8 hours or 500 to 875 mg every 12 hours. Children over 3 months usually get a dose based on their weight, divided into separate doses throughout the day.
You can take amoxicillin capsules with or without food. Take each dose at evenly spaced times and finish the full course, even if you feel better. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one; do not take two doses at once.
Ingredients
The active ingredient is amoxicillin (as amoxicillin trihydrate). The inactive ingredients may include croscarmellose sodium, gelatin, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Serious and sometimes fatal allergic, or anaphylactic, reactions have been reported with penicillin antibiotics, including amoxicillin. Tell your healthcare provider about any allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens, and get emergency help if you develop signs of a severe reaction, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or a sudden widespread rash.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS, have been reported. Stop taking amoxicillin and seek medical help if you develop a spreading or blistering rash, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth.
Antibiotics, including amoxicillin, can cause a serious intestinal infection called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea that may appear during treatment or even weeks afterward. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea, with or without stomach cramps and fever.
A reaction called drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome, or DIES, with delayed vomiting and stomach upset, has been reported with amoxicillin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have this kind of reaction.
People with mononucleosis, or “mono,” are more likely to develop a skin rash while taking amoxicillin, so it is generally not recommended in that situation.
As with other antibiotics, long-term or repeated use can lead to overgrowth of organisms that are not affected by it, such as yeast, which can cause oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection.
Take amoxicillin only to treat bacterial infections, exactly as directed, and store the capsules at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a tightly closed, light-resistant container, out of reach of children.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- A history of a serious allergic, or hypersensitivity, reaction, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, to amoxicillin or to other beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins or cephalosporins.
Side Effects
Common side effects of amoxicillin include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
Stop taking amoxicillin and get medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, hives, or a severe, blistering, or peeling skin rash. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop watery or bloody diarrhea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea or stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, a sore throat with fever, white patches in the mouth, or other severe side effects that do not go away.
References
Amoxicillin Capsules Drug Label Information. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.; 2026.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 1340
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