Amoxicillin: What it treats and how to use it safely

Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic used for ear infections, strep throat, sinusitis, bronchitis and some skin infections. It kills bacteria by stopping their cell walls from forming, so it only works on bacterial, not viral, illnesses. People trust it because it’s effective, widely available, and generally well tolerated when taken correctly.

How amoxicillin works and usual dosing

Doctors prescribe different doses depending on the infection and patient age. For adults a common dose is 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours for many infections. Kids get weight-based doses — your pharmacist will calculate it. Finish the full course even if you feel better after a few days; stopping early can let bacteria survive and come back stronger.

Side effects are usually mild: stomach upset, diarrhea, and rash are the most common. If you develop hives, throat swelling, trouble breathing, or a severe rash, stop taking it and seek medical help — those can mean an allergic reaction. Also tell your doctor about penicillin allergies, since amoxicillin is in the same family.

Buying amoxicillin online safely

If you plan to buy amoxicillin online, always use a pharmacy that requires a prescription. Legitimate online pharmacies in Canada will ask for a valid prescription and show contact info for a licensed pharmacist. Avoid sites that offer amoxicillin without a prescription, sell suspiciously cheap pills, or hide their business details.

Check reviews and look for clear shipping and return policies. Confirm the pharmacy uses real drug names and lists active ingredients and strengths. When the package arrives, compare the pill markings and packaging with trusted sources or ask your pharmacist to verify. If something looks off — different color, odd smell, broken safety seals — don’t take the pills and contact the seller or local health authorities.

Also watch for drug interactions. Amoxicillin can interact with birth control pills slightly, and combining it with certain other antibiotics or blood thinners needs medical oversight. Tell your prescriber about any other medicines, supplements, or medical conditions before starting treatment.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Amoxicillin is commonly used in pregnancy but tell your doctor first. For children, use the exact dose and formulation your pediatrician prescribes — liquid forms must be measured with the syringe provided, not a kitchen spoon.

Finally, keep leftover antibiotics out of reach of children and dispose of them properly. Don’t share antibiotics with others — the strain and dose may not match their illness and could do more harm than good. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist; they can answer dosage questions, verify products bought online, and help spot unsafe pharmacies.

Keep a list of your prescriptions, allergies and reactions so care is faster. Store amoxicillin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is near — don’t double up. Ask your pharmacist about timing, side effects, or if the medicine seems unusual or damaged.