Everything You Need to Know about Amoxil Medication

Amoxil is a prescription antiobiotic distrubted by the UK-based Glaxosmithkline company. The scientific name is amoxycillin, and it is often used for infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, or ear infections.

The Science

Amoxicillin is classified as a beta-lactam (β-lactam), which describes a range of antiobiotics including penicillin. Amoxyicillin (as well as other beta-lactams) kills bacteria by stopping growth of their cell wall. Although it is effective against the common bacterial infections listed above, some bacterial strains produce the beta-lactamase enzyme. Such an enzyme breaks down the structure of beta-lactam antiobiotics, and renders them ineffective. E. Coli is an example of a bacterial strain with such resistance capabilities, though others are Staphylococcus (a cause of food poisoning), the gonhorrea bacteria, as well as the influenza bacteria.

To combat the resistance put up by some bacteria, acid can be combined with the amoxicillin treatment.  Commonly Clavulanic acid is used.

The Product

Administration and Appearance
Amoxicillin is generally administered orally, though it can also be given intravenously. For oral administration, it is in capsule, pill, or syrup form, and the syrup is generally thick and pink. For intravenous administration, the antiobiotic must be in its salt form.

Taste
Amoxicillin (in syrup form) is a sweet tasting liquid, and most describe it as tasting rather good. It's sweet taste makes it especially appealing to children.

Brands
"Amoxil" is not the only name of amoxicillin, and others including "Dispermox", "Lamoxy", "Zimox", and "Amoxibiotic".
Dosage
 
Dosage recommendations vary based on the severity of the infection, though they can range from 250mg to 3g.  Most infections of areas such as ears, urinal tract, nose, throat, or skin require a regular dosage of 250 mg, while more serious ailments such as Gonorrhea require a single 3g dose.  As mentioned before, sometimes dosages of antiobiotic may be mixed with an acid.

When To Take Amoxil