Infectious Diseases What to Know About Moxatag (Amoxicillin) A Common Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Infections By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Updated on October 01, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Before Taking Dosage Side Effects Warnings and Interactions 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 infectionsPneumoniaSinus infectionSkin infectionsGroup A strep infectionsUrinary tract infections Off-Label Uses Off-label uses for Moxatag include: AnthraxBronchiectasisEndocarditisLyme diseaseProsthetic joint infection Before Taking Before taking this or any other medications, it is important to make sure the prescribing doctor 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 doctor may test your for penicillin allergies before you start the medication. [Standard disclaimer: Talk to your doctor 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 Moxatag, go over the precautions and contraindications associated with the drug with your doctor. This is to ensure you don't have any conditions that might negatively affect the effectiveness or safety of Moxatag for you. An important contraindication for Moxatag (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 Moxatag 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 Moxatag and other forms of amoxicillin belong to the penicillin class of antibiotics, along with: PenicillinAmpicillinNafcillinOxacillinDicloxacillinCloxacillinPiperacillinPiperacillin/tazobactam Dosage Oral formulations of Moxatag 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 Moxatag 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 doctor to make sure you are taking the rightdose for you.] How to Take and Store Moxatag is a relatively straightforward medication, although there are few things to keep in mind while you're on it. If possible, take Moxatag 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 Moxatag (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 Moxatag, 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 doctor's office. Common An upset stomachDiarrheaNauseaLoss of appetiteClay-colored stoolsOral thrushA yeast infectionBad breath or a bad taste in your mouth Severe Serious side effects warrant immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if while taking Moxatage 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. Those you should be aware of when taking Moxatag include: ChlortetracyclineCholera Vaccine, LiveDemeclocyclineDoxycyclineEravacyclineLymecyclineMeclocyclineMethacyclineMethotrexateMinocyclineMycophenolate MofetilOmadacyclineOxytetracyclineRolitetracyclineSarecyclineSulfasalazineTetracyclineTigecyclineVenlafaxineWarfarin You have an increased risk of side effects if you take any of the following medications or substances while on Moxatag: Acenocoumarol, a drug similar to Coumadin (warfarin)Khat (an herbal stimulant)Probalan (probenecid), used to treat gout 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 Article 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.