Amoxicillin Dosage – Simple Guide

Amoxicillin is one of the most used antibiotics, but the right dose depends on what you’re treating, your age, and your kidney function. Getting the dose wrong can mean the infection sticks around or you deal with unnecessary side effects. Below you’ll find the most common dosing schedules, quick tips for kids, and what to do if you forget a pill.

Typical Doses for Common Infections

For most adult infections – like ear infections, sinusitis, or a simple urinary tract infection – doctors usually recommend 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours. The total daily amount lands around 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg. If you have a more serious infection such as pneumonia, the dose may bump up to 1 g every 8 hours, but only under medical supervision.

Kids get a weight‑based dose. The standard rule is 25 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into two or three doses. For example, a 20 kg child would take 500 mg per day – either 250 mg twice a day or 167 mg three times a day. Many pharmacies provide a liquid suspension that makes measuring easy.

When you’re dealing with dental abscesses or skin infections, the same 500 mg‑875 mg regimen works, but the treatment length changes. Most short‑term infections need 5‑7 days, while chronic or severe cases might need 10‑14 days.

Kids, Missed Doses, and Safety Tips

If a child misses a dose, give it as soon as you remember – unless it’s almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed pill and continue the regular schedule. Never double‑up; too much amoxicillin can upset the stomach or cause a rash.

Take amoxicillin with food or a full glass of water to avoid stomach irritation. If you’re on a probiotic, you can keep taking it, but space it out by at least two hours to prevent the antibiotic from killing the good bacteria.

Watch for side effects like mild diarrhea, nausea, or a temporary skin itch. If you notice severe rash, swelling, or breathing trouble, stop the medication and call a doctor right away – those could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Finally, finish the whole prescription even if you feel better before the last pill. Stopping early lets bacteria survive and become resistant, which makes future infections harder to treat.

Got more questions? Talk to your pharmacist or doctor. They can tailor the dose to your exact situation, especially if you have kidney issues or are taking other meds that might interact with amoxicillin.