- Class
- Penicillins
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Amoxil
What is Amoxicillin used for?
- Ear, sinus, throat and respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- H. pylori eradication (with other drugs)
- Lyme disease (early)
- Endocarditis prophylaxis in selected dental patients
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) adds a beta-lactamase inhibitor that widens the spectrum.
How Amoxicillin works
Aminopenicillin: binds penicillin-binding proteins and blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal).
Common side effects
- Diarrhea and nausea
- Rash
- Vaginal yeast infection
Report right away
- Hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face or throat (anaphylaxis): emergency
- Severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection)
Nursing considerations for Amoxicillin
- Ask about allergies to penicillins and other beta-lactams before the first dose.
- Get cultures before the first dose when ordered.
- A widespread rash is common when patients with mononucleosis receive amoxicillin; it is usually not a true allergy, but document it and tell the prescriber.
Patient teaching
- Finish the full course even if you feel better.
- Shake the suspension well; refrigeration improves the taste.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Penicillins practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Amoxicillin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Before giving the first dose of IV ampicillin, what is the most important action?
Show answer
Answer D: Ask about drug allergies Penicillins are a common cause of anaphylaxis. Allergy history comes first, followed by cultures if ordered.
-
Which suffix identifies a penicillin?
Show answer
Answer D: -cillin Penicillins end in -cillin (amoxicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin).
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Ten minutes into an IV penicillin infusion, the patient develops wheezing and hives. What is the priority?
Show answer
Answer D: Stop the infusion, maintain the airway and call for help; give epinephrine as ordered This is anaphylaxis. Stop the drug, protect the airway, and give IM epinephrine per protocol.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amoxicillin used for?
Ear, sinus, throat and respiratory infections; Urinary tract infections; H. pylori eradication (with other drugs); Lyme disease (early).
What drug class is Amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin belongs to the class penicillins. Aminopenicillin: binds penicillin-binding proteins and blocks bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal).
What are the nursing considerations for Amoxicillin?
Ask about allergies to penicillins and other beta-lactams before the first dose. Get cultures before the first dose when ordered.
What should patients report while taking Amoxicillin?
hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face or throat (anaphylaxis): emergency; severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection).