From the Guidelines
Amoxicillin is recommended as a first-line treatment for community-acquired pneumonia, with a typical dosage of 1g every 8 hours for adults, as stated in the 2019 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine study 1.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of amoxicillin varies depending on the infection being treated and the patient's age and weight. For children, the recommended dosage is 80-90 mg/kg per day in 2 divided doses, as stated in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1.
- For adults, the typical dosage is 250-500mg three times daily, or 1g every 8 hours, as recommended in the 2019 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine study 1.
- For children, the dosage is 20-90mg/kg/day divided into 2-3 doses, as stated in the 2003 Clinical Microbiology and Infection study 1.
Indications and Contraindications
Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
- Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should not take amoxicillin, as it may cause severe allergic reactions, as noted in the 2013 Pediatrics study 1.
- Amoxicillin is often combined with clavulanic acid (as Augmentin) to overcome certain bacterial resistance mechanisms, as stated in the 2003 Clinical Microbiology and Infection study 1.
Side Effects and Interactions
Common side effects of amoxicillin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any allergies, pregnancy status, or other medications before starting treatment to avoid potential interactions or complications, as recommended in the 2019 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine study 1.
Treatment Duration
The duration of amoxicillin treatment varies depending on the infection being treated.
- For community-acquired pneumonia, treatment typically lasts for 7-10 days, as stated in the 2019 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine study 1.
- For other infections, the treatment duration may be shorter or longer, depending on the specific condition and the patient's response to treatment, as noted in the 2003 Clinical Microbiology and Infection study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Amoxicillin Overview
- Amoxicillin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat various infections, including pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) 2, 3.
- The use of amoxicillin can vary depending on the diagnosis and the facility, with some studies showing substantial variation in the management of common infectious diseases 2.
Resistance to Amoxicillin
- Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) is a concern, particularly in community-onset UTIs caused by Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae 3.
- Previous antimicrobial exposure, including fluoroquinolones and AMC, is an independent risk factor for the development of AMC resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae urinary isolates 3.
- The rates of AMC resistance can vary, with one study showing rates of 14.94% and 34.78% for E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively 3.
Unrelated Studies
- There are also studies unrelated to amoxicillin, such as the segmental flexibility of cardiac myosins, which do not provide relevant information on the topic of amoxicillin 4.