Amoxicillin

Antibiotic (penicillin)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Amoxicillin is a antibiotic (penicillin) found in 16 medicines sold in India, such as Mox 500, Novamox 500, Mox 250. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: amoxycillin

What it is used for

Treats bacterial infections of the throat, ear, chest, sinuses, teeth and urine.

How it works

A penicillin antibiotic that stops bacteria building their cell walls, so they burst. Used for chest, ear, throat, sinus, tooth and urinary infections.

How to take it

Usually 250 to 500 mg three times a day or 875 mg twice a day for 5 to 7 days; with or without food. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Thrush

Get medical help straight away if

  • Hives, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing (allergy)
  • Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea
  • A widespread blistering rash

Be careful

Finish the full course. Do not take if allergic to penicillin. Does not work on viral colds.

Other medicines and interactions

Do not take if allergic to penicillin. Can raise methotrexate levels and affect warfarin control. Rash is common if taken during glandular fever.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Brands of Amoxicillin (4)

Mox 250Mox 500Novamox 250Novamox 500

Combination medicines that contain Amoxicillin (12)

Advent 625Amoxyclav 625Augmed-625Augmentin 625 DuoAugumed 625Bactoclav-625Clavam 625Indclav 625Mega CV 625Mox CV 625Moxclav 625Moxikind-CV 625

Common questions

What is Amoxicillin used for?

Treats bacterial infections of the throat, ear, chest, sinuses, teeth and urine.

How does Amoxicillin work?

A penicillin antibiotic that stops bacteria building their cell walls, so they burst. Used for chest, ear, throat, sinus, tooth and urinary infections.

How should I take Amoxicillin?

Usually 250 to 500 mg three times a day or 875 mg twice a day for 5 to 7 days; with or without food. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Amoxicillin?

Common: Diarrhoea, nausea, rash, thrush. Get help straight away for: Hives, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing (allergy), severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, a widespread blistering rash.

Does Amoxicillin interact with other medicines?

Do not take if allergic to penicillin. Can raise methotrexate levels and affect warfarin control. Rash is common if taken during glandular fever.

Is Amoxicillin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Amoxicillin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Amoxicillin?

Advent 625, Amoxyclav 625, Augmed-625, Augmentin 625 Duo, Augumed 625, Bactoclav-625, Clavam 625, Indclav 625, Mega CV 625, Mox 250, Mox 500, Mox CV 625, Moxclav 625, Moxikind-CV 625, Novamox 250, Novamox 500.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.