Amoxicillin 500mg (15 capsules)

Description

What Is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. In the UK, it is recommended as first-line treatment for acute dental infections in national guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. It works by interfering with bacterial cell wall formation, causing the bacteria to break down and die. This helps the body’s immune system control and clear infection.

Amoxicillin is common for dental abscesses, infections around wisdom teeth (pericoronitis), acute spreading gum infections, dental infections associated with facial swelling, and post-operative dental infections.

Important: Antibiotics Do Not Cure Dental Abscesses

It is essential to understand that antibiotics do not drain an abscess, repair tooth decay, or eliminate the source of an infection. Definitive dental treatment — such as drainage, root canal therapy, or extraction — is required to resolve the underlying cause.

Antibiotics are used to control infection when:

• There are signs of spreading infection
• Facial swelling is present
• Fever or systemic symptoms occur
• Immediate dental treatment is not accessible

You must arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible, even if antibiotics are supplied.

How to Take Amoxicillin

• Take one 500mg capsule three times daily (morning, afternoon, evening)
• Space doses evenly throughout the day
• Swallow whole with water
• Can be taken with or without food
• Complete the full course, even if you feel better

The usual adult dose for acute dental infection is 500mg (ONE capsule) three times daily for five days. Stopping early may allow bacteria to survive and increase the risk of recurrence or resistance.

Who Can Use Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin may be suitable for adults aged 18 and over with signs of spreading dental infection, facial swelling, systemic symptoms, no history of penicillin allergy, and no contraindicated medical conditions.

Who Should Not Take Amoxicillin?

Do not take Amoxicillin if you:

• Have a known allergy to penicillin
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to beta-lactam antibiotics
• Have previously experienced anaphylaxis to antibiotics

It may also require caution if you have kidney impairment, liver disease, certain immune conditions, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Amoxicillin is widely used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when clinically necessary. However, used during pregnancy requires careful assessment of the severity of the infection, the stage of pregnancy, and individual risk factors. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, you must declare this during your consultation.