What is the standard amoxicillin dose for children?

The standard dose is **25 mg/kg/day** divided into 2–3 doses. For more resistant organisms (e.g., drug-resistant *S. pneumoniae* in otitis media), **45 mg/kg/day** in two doses is recommended. The maximum single dose should not exceed *500 mg* and the daily dose should not exceed *3,000 mg*.

Should amoxicillin be taken with food?

Amoxicillin can be taken **with or without food**. Taking it *after meals* can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting) without meaningfully affecting absorption.

How long should amoxicillin be taken?

Course length depends on the indication: **5–7 days** for most community respiratory and ear infections; **3 days** for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in women; **7 days** for dental infections. Always complete the prescribed course to reduce the risk of treatment failure and resistance.

What is the difference between amoxicillin and Augmentin?

**Augmentin** is *amoxicillin-clavulanate* — amoxicillin combined with the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate. It covers organisms that produce beta-lactamase enzymes and would inactivate plain amoxicillin. Augmentin is reserved for situations where beta-lactamase-producing pathogens are suspected.

Can amoxicillin be given to penicillin-allergic patients?

**No.** Amoxicillin is a penicillin. It must not be given to patients with a history of *immediate hypersensitivity* (anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema) to any penicillin. Cross-reactivity with cephalosporins is low but should be considered in severe penicillin allergy.

What are the most common side effects of amoxicillin?

The most common side effects are *gastrointestinal* (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting) and *skin rash*. A maculopapular rash occurring during amoxicillin treatment may reflect viral illness rather than true allergy — particularly in patients with infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), where amoxicillin causes a characteristic widespread rash.

How should amoxicillin syrup be stored?

Reconstituted amoxicillin oral suspension should be **refrigerated** (2–8°C) and used within *14 days* of preparation. Shake well before each use. Discard any remaining suspension after the course is completed.

Pediatrics · Beta-lactam Antibiotic

Amoxicillin
Dose Calculator

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Amoxicillin — Paediatric Dose Calculator

Educational tool · Last reviewed: March 2026

This tool provides weight-based dosing estimates for amoxicillin in paediatric patients. Dosing ranges are illustrative only.

Local formularies, resistance patterns, and indication-specific guidance may differ. Always verify with the treating clinician and local antimicrobial guidelines.

For neonates (<28 days) and infants <3 months, use neonatal-specific dosing references.

I understand this is educational only and will verify dosing with local guidelines.