Overview:
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, chest infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It’s one of the most common antibiotics prescribed in the UK and is generally well tolerated. It only works against bacterial infections — not viral illnesses like colds or flu.
How It Works:
Amoxicillin kills bacteria by stopping them from building their protective cell wall. Without this wall, the bacteria become weak and burst, allowing your immune system to clear the infection. It belongs to the penicillin family of antibiotics, which have been used safely for decades.
Mode of Action:
Once absorbed, amoxicillin enters the bloodstream and targets enzymes that bacteria use to build their cell walls. By blocking these enzymes, it causes the walls to break down and the bacteria to die. Because of its wide activity, it’s effective against many types of bacteria that cause common infections in the lungs, throat, ears, and bladder.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Mild diarrhoea
- Rash or mild allergic reaction
- Stomach upset
Serious Side Effects:
- Allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek urgent help)
- Severe diarrhoea that doesn’t go away, which may be a sign of a gut infection called C. difficile
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (possible liver reaction)
- Severe skin rash or peeling (very rare but serious)
