Amoxicillin Dosage – Simple Guide for Adults & Kids

Ever wonder why your doctor prescribes 250 mg for one infection and 500 mg for another? The answer is all about the infection type, your body size, and how fast the drug works. This guide breaks down the most common amoxicillin doses so you can feel confident you’re taking the right amount.

Standard Adult Doses

For most grown‑ups, amoxicillin comes in 250 mg, 500 mg, or 875 mg tablets. The typical dose for mild infections – like a simple ear infection or a sore throat – is 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours. That means you’ll take three pills a day or two larger pills a day.

If you’re treating a more serious infection, such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, doctors often prescribe 875 mg every 12 hours or even 1 g (1000 mg) every 8 hours. The higher amount helps the medicine reach the bacteria fast enough to clear the infection.

In all cases, the total daily dose usually falls between 1.5 g and 3 g. Never double a dose just because you feel worse – that can increase side effects without helping the infection.

Pediatric Doses & Weight‑Based Calculations

Kids don’t get the same tablet strength as adults. Their dose is calculated by weight, typically 20‑40 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into two or three doses. For example, a child who weighs 15 kg would need about 300‑600 mg total each day.

Doctors often prescribe a liquid suspension for children. The label will tell you how many milliliters (mL) equal a certain milligram amount. If the prescription says 250 mg/5 mL, a 15‑kg child needing 400 mg a day would take 8 mL divided into two doses.

It’s crucial to use a proper measuring syringe or cup – a kitchen spoon is not accurate enough. Wrong measurements can lead to under‑treatment or unnecessary side effects.

When you start a course, take amoxicillin at evenly spaced times. If you’re on a twice‑daily schedule, aim for 8 am and 8 pm. If three times a day, try 7 am, 1 pm, and 7 pm. Sticking to a schedule keeps blood levels steady and helps the drug work better.

Food can affect how the medicine is absorbed. Most amoxicillin pills can be taken with or without food, but the liquid form is easier on a stomach that’s empty. If you notice stomach upset, try taking it with a small amount of food.

Common side effects include mild diarrhea, nausea, or a rash. If you develop severe vomiting, a rash that spreads quickly, or trouble breathing, stop the med and call your doctor right away. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Finish the full prescription even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early can let the bacteria survive and become resistant, making future infections harder to treat.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember – unless it’s almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue on schedule. Never double up.

Storing the liquid suspension matters too. Keep it in the fridge and shake well before each use. Most suspensions stay good for 7‑10 days after opening; discard any leftover after that.

Remember, the right dose depends on your infection, age, weight, and kidney function. If you have kidney disease, your doctor may lower the dose because the drug stays in your system longer.

Got questions about your dosage? Ask your pharmacist or doctor. They can explain why a specific amount was chosen and what to watch for while you’re taking the medicine.

Taking amoxicillin the right way helps you get better faster and keeps resistance low. Follow the schedule, measure accurately, and finish the course – that’s the best recipe for success.