What to Know About Moxatag (Amoxicillin)

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-release
• Capsules
• Intravenous
• Powder for suspension

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

FDA-approved off-label uses for Moxatag include:

• Anthrax
• Asplenia
• Bronchiectasis
• Endocarditis
• Lyme disease
• Prosthetic 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 your
case.]

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 antiobitics.

Health issues that may preclude taking Moxatag include:

• Mononucleosis
• Kidney disease
• Phenylketonuria

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:

• Penicillin
• Ampicillin
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin
• Dicloxacillin
• Cloxacillin
• Piperacillin
• Piperacillin/tazobactam

Dosage

Oral formulations of Moxatag come as:

• Capsules of 250 milligrams (mg) and 500 mg
• Oral solutions of 125, 200, and 400 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)
• Chewable tablets of 125 mg and 250 mg
• Extended-release capsules of 775 mg

Moxatag typically is dosed based on a person's age, weight, and reason for taking the drug. The typical dose for adults is 500 mg to 1 gram taken every eight to 12 hours.

Modifications

Seniors may need smaller dose; adjustments also may be necessary for people who have kidney disease.

For children, dosing typically is based on 25 mg to 50 mg per kilogram in split doses every eight hours with a maximum dose of 500 mg per dose.

[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 right
dose 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 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. You can keep Moxatag in the refrigerator but don't freeze it.

Side Effects

While taking Moxatag, you may experience side effects. Most of the common ones are relatively mild but you should let your doctor know if you develop:

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 doctor right away if while taking Moxatage you experience:

• A rash
• Trouble swallowing
• The feeling that your throat is closing
• Hives
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Dizziness
• Racing heartbeat
• Confusion
• Convulsions

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:

• Chlortetracycline
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Demeclocycline
• Doxycycline
• Eravacycline
• Lymecycline
• Meclocycline
• Methacycline
• Methotrexate
• Minocycline
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Omadacycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Rolitetracycline
• Sarecycline
• Sulfasalazine
• Tetracycline
• Tigecycline
• Venlafaxine
• Warfarin

You have an increased risk of side effects if you take any of the following medications or substances while on Moxatag:

• Alcohol
• Acenocoumarol, a drug similar to Coumadin (warfarin)
• Khat (an herbal stimulant)
• Probalan (probenecid), used to treat gout