Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin antibiotic.
It's used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses. It can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers.
It's often prescribed for children to treat ear infections and chest infections.
Amoxicillin is only available on prescription.
It comes as capsules or as a liquid that you swallow. It's also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.
Key facts
- You, or your child, will usually take amoxicillin 3 times a day to treat an infection
- For most infections, you'll start to feel better in a few days.
- The most common side effects of amoxicillin are feeling sick (nausea) and diarrhoea.
- You can drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin.
- Some people who take antibiotics including amoxicillin can develop thrush.