Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to help treat bacterial infections in both adults and children.
It’s been available for decades, and is one of the most commonly prescribed of all medications: More than 50 million prescriptions for amoxicillin are filled in the United States each year.
If you’re among that group, you may wonder if you can save money by filling your prescription online.
In this article, I’ll tell you more about amoxicillin, including whether you can buy it online.
I’ll also tell you when you should talk to a doctor—and how K Health can help you do so without leaving home.
What is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is in the class of penicillin antibiotics sold under brand names including Amoxil, Moxilin, Amoxicit, and Biomox.
It is made by pairing an extra amino group with penicillin, which helps combat resistance to the drug.
Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacteria’s ability to grow. It is a highly effective medication with a low risk of severe side effects.
This antibiotic can be combined with potassium clavulanate (another active ingredient) in the form of amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate for better efficiency.
Your doctor may recommend using amoxicillin for any number of days.
How long it takes antibiotics to clear out an infection depends on the infection being treated, and how you take your medication.
Antibiotics online
Our physicians can prescribe antibiotics for various conditions, but only if necessary. Chat with a provider now.
Uses
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
It does not work for fungal or viral infections like the common cold or flu.
Some common uses include:
- Dental infections such as periodontitis (gum disease)
- Ear, nose, and throat infections such a strep throat or bacterial sinusitis
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (often combined with clavulanic acid)
- Lyme disease
- Skin infections
- Anthrax exposure
- H. pylori infections (the bacteria that can trigger stomach ulcers)
This prescription-only medication works by stopping bacterial growth.
Taking an antibiotic like amoxicillin unnecessarily, or incorrectly, can lead to the occurrence of drug resistance, which is a situation where the medication no longer works against infections.
Dosage
Amoxicillin comes in a few forms.
Your doctor may prescribe it as a capsule, tablet, chewable tablet, or a suspension (liquid).
Typically, people take amoxicillin twice to three times a day, or every 8-12 hours, either with or without food.
For adults, teenagers, and kids who weigh more than 88 pounds, the most common dose is 250-500 mg taken every eight hours, or 500-875 mg every 12 hours.
For children, doses range from 40-90 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into 2-3 doses per day.
No matter how much you’re taking, aim to take your amoxicillin at the same time each day.
Infections that are not severe may be treated in as little as 3 days, but the typical course of treatment is 7-10 days.
Your prescription label insert will tell you how long you should take your amoxicillin.
Patients with kidney disease do not need to take a reduced dose unless the kidney impairment is severe.
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends amoxicillin as safe for those pregnant and breastfeeding.
Pregnant and breastfeeding adults can take amoxicillin in normal doses.
Your pharmacist or prescriber will give you dosing instructions and tell you exactly how to take your medication, including whether to take it with food.
Your medication should not be stored in a humid environment, like the bathroom.
Keep it in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.
Some medications may require refrigeration. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to take or store your medicine.
Be sure to take amoxicillin precisely as prescribed.
If you do not, the bacterial infection may not heal, and the situation may worsen.
Missing doses could also make your medication regimen less effective or completely ineffective
If you forget to take a dose, do not panic.
If it has only been a few hours, take your dose and adjust your next ones accordingly.
If you are close to your next dose, skip your missed one and resume your schedule as normal. Never double up on amoxicillin doses.
Complete your medication regimen even if you’ve begun to feel better.
This prevents antibiotic resistance from developing.
If resistance builds up, amoxicillin will be ineffective against future bacterial infections.
Side effects
Common side effects of amoxicillin include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Upset stomach
- Itching
- Vomiting
- vagin*l yeast infections
Can You Purchase Amoxicillin Online?
If you have a bacterial infection, you can get a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider and purchase amoxicillin online.
However, you cannot purchase amoxicillin without a prescription.
Antibiotics online
Our physicians can prescribe antibiotics for various conditions, but only if necessary. Chat with a provider now.
How much Is amoxicillin?
Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy you visit, but on average, 500 mg of amoxicillin with four capsules costs $10 and, and a 20-tablet pack costs $13.48.
The cost of amoxicillin will also vary depending on your insurance and your treatment plan.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you or someone else has taken too much amoxicillin, watch out for overdose symptoms like severe diarrhea and vomiting, and contact your healthcare provider for medical attention.
You should also seek medical advice if you notice an allergic reaction to this medicine.
Some common allergic reactions to antibiotics include hives, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.
Get Treatment with K Health
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can amoxicillin be purchased over the counter?
No, you cannot purchase amoxicillin over the counter. You need a prescription. To reduce the risk of developing drug resistance, your doctor or healthcare provider must be convinced that you need this medication before you can get it.
What is a good substitute for amoxicillin?
If you’re allergic to amoxicillin, your doctor might prescribe cephalexin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or doxycycline, or another appropriate antibiotic for your infection.
Do you need to see a doctor in order to get amoxicillin?
Yes, you need to see a doctor for an amoxicillin prescription. You can do this by booking a physical appointment or reaching out to a doctor online.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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Amoxicillin. (2021).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482250/ -
Common harms from amoxicillin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials for any indication. (2015).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4284189/ -
Availability of Antibiotics for Purchase Without a Prescription on the Internet. (2009).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2746509
As a seasoned expert in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to delve into the intricacies of medications with a focus on evidence-based information. With a wealth of expertise, I can guide you through the nuances of various drugs, including the widely prescribed antibiotic, amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin, a stalwart in the realm of antibiotics, has played a crucial role in treating bacterial infections for decades. Supported by substantial evidence, it is fascinating to note that more than 50 million prescriptions for amoxicillin are filled annually in the United States alone. This statistic underscores its significance and widespread use in the medical community.
The unique composition of amoxicillin, falling within the class of penicillin antibiotics, involves the addition of an extra amino group to penicillin. This innovative approach helps combat resistance to the drug, a testament to the continuous evolution and refinement of antibiotics. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial growth, making it highly effective with a commendably low risk of severe side effects.
The versatility of amoxicillin is apparent in its broad-spectrum nature, addressing a wide range of bacterial infections. From dental infections like periodontitis to respiratory issues such as strep throat, and even more serious conditions like bacterial pneumonia, amoxicillin proves its efficacy across diverse medical scenarios.
Understanding the proper usage of amoxicillin is crucial to its effectiveness. Dosage varies based on factors such as age, weight, and the severity of the infection. The importance of completing the prescribed course of antibiotics cannot be overstated, as failure to do so may contribute to the development of drug resistance.
As a testament to its safety profile, amoxicillin is deemed suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to recommendations from the US Food and Drug Administration. This further attests to the depth of research and scrutiny that supports the medication's safety in different patient populations.
In the context of purchasing amoxicillin online, it's imperative to emphasize that obtaining this antibiotic without a prescription is not permissible. While the convenience of online pharmacies is highlighted, the importance of consulting a qualified healthcare provider for a prescription remains paramount. The potential risks associated with self-prescription and the development of drug resistance underscore the significance of responsible antibiotic use.
In terms of cost, prices for amoxicillin may vary, but on average, the expense is reasonable. However, individual costs can be influenced by factors such as insurance coverage and treatment plans.
To sum up, amoxicillin stands as a cornerstone in the treatment of bacterial infections, supported by a robust history of efficacy and safety. Responsible usage, guided by healthcare professionals, ensures its continued effectiveness and minimizes the risk of adverse outcomes.
For those seeking further guidance or potential online consultations, platforms like K Health provide a convenient avenue to connect with healthcare providers. This amalgamation of technology and healthcare expertise exemplifies the evolving landscape of medical services, emphasizing accessibility and patient-centric care.
