Infectious Diseases What to Know About Moxatag (Amoxicillin) A Common Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Infections By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 20, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Anju Goel, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH LinkedIn Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician who specializes in public health, communicable disease, diabetes, and health policy. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Before Taking Dosage Side Effects Warnings and Interactions Frequently Asked Questions Moxatag (amoxicillin) is in the penicillin class of antibiotics—medications that treat bacterial infections by killing the bacteria that cause them or by preventing them from growing. Moxatag is prescribed for a wide range of common infections, including strep and ear infections, and comes in many formulations: Tablets, chewable, and extended-releaseCapsulesPowder for suspension Other Brands Names for Amoxicillin Besides Moxatag, amoxicillin is sold in the United States as:AmoxicotAmoxilDisperMoxMoxilinTrimox Uses The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Moxatag to treat: H. pylori infections Pneumonia Sinus infection Skin infections Group A strep infections Urinary tract infections Off-Label Uses Off-label uses for Moxatag include: Anthrax Bronchiectasis Periodontitis Endocarditis Lyme disease Erysipeloid (a bacterial infection of the skin among people who handle fish and meat) Prosthetic joint infection Before Taking Before taking this or any other medications, it is important to make sure the prescribing healthcare provider knows about your medical history, current health problems, allergies, and other medications you are taking. It is especially important to let them know if you've ever had a bad reaction to a penicillin antibiotic in the past. Your healthcare provider may test your for penicillin allergies before you start the medication. [Standard disclaimer: Talk to your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in yourcase.] Precautions and Contraindications Before you take amoxycillin, go over the precautions and contraindications associated with the drug with your healthcare provider. This is to ensure you don't have any conditions that might negatively affect the effectiveness or safety of amoxycillin for you. An important contraindication for amoxycillin (and for any antibiotic in the penicillin class) is a history of having had an allergic reaction to it or to another penicillin-related drug. The same is true of allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics. Health issues that may preclude taking amoxycillin include: MononucleosisKidney diseasePhenylketonuria Seniors, children, and people who have kidney disease may require special dosing—typically starting with a relatively small dose that may be adjusted for effectiveness as needed. Other Penicillin Antibiotics Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics, along with: PenicillinAmpicillinNafcillinOxacillinDicloxacillinCloxacillinPiperacillinPiperacillin/tazobactam Dosage Oral formulations of amoxycillin come as: Capsules of 250 milligrams (mg) and 500 mgOral solutions of 125, 200, and 400 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)Tablets of 500 mg and 875 mgChewable tablets of 125 mg and 250 mgExtended-release tablets of 775 mg Amoxycillin dosage varies, but is typically dosed based on a person's age, weight, and reason for taking the drug. Modifications Seniors may need a smaller dose; adjustments also may be necessary for people who have kidney disease. [Standard disclaimer: All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the rightdose for you.] How to Take and Store Amoxycillin is a relatively straightforward medication, although there are few things to keep in mind while you're on it. If possible, take amoxycillin with food or a beverage, as it may cause an upset stomach.You can store the suspension form of this medication in the refrigerator (but don't freeze it).If you're taking a liquid or suspension or giving it to a child, shake the bottle before measuring out the dose.If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you notice—unless it's nearly time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose: do not double up on doses.Store amoxycillin (and all medications) in its original container, out of sight and reach of children, and away from moisture, heat, or direct light. Side Effects While taking amoxycillin, you may experience side effects. Most of the common ones are relatively mild, but if you're concerned about any you may be experiencing, contact your healthcare provider's office. Common An upset stomach Diarrhea Nausea Loss of appetite Clay-colored stools Oral thrush A yeast infection Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth Severe Serious side effects warrant immediate medical attention. Call your healthcare provider right away if while taking amoxycillin you experience: A rashTrouble swallowingThe feeling that your throat is closingHivesYellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)DizzinessRacing heartbeatConfusionConvulsions Warnings and Interactions Interactions with other medications or supplements can lead to serious health problems. Always tell your healthcare provider what medications you take if they are prescribing amoxycillin. Frequently Asked Questions Can you drink alcohol while taking amoxicillin? Yes, but it isn't recommended. Alcohol does not interact with amoxicillin, and drinking will not make the antibiotic less effective. However, alcohol can inhibit your immune system, making it easier to contract infections and harder to recover from them. Does amoxycillin interfere with birth control? Yes, amoxicillin and other antibiotics can make certain oral contraceptives less effective. Women who take combination estrogen/progesterone birth control pills should use backup protection (such as condoms) while taking antibiotics and continue through the end of the cycle. Can amoxycillin be life-threatening? Yes, amoxicillin is in the penicillin class of antibiotics. Amoxicillin can cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis in people allergic to penicillin. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Symptoms include: Trouble breathingHives or swellingTightness of the throatHoarse voiceNauseaVomitingAbdominal pain DiarrheaDizzinessWaitingLow blood pressureRapid heartbeatFeeling of doom Cardiac arrestIf someone taking amoxicillin experiences these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Mayo Clinic. Amoxicillin. Sept. 1, 2020. UpToDate. Amoxicillin: Drug information. 2020. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information: Moxatag.