Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin family and remains the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in America. This semisynthetic analog of ampicillin treats a wide variety of bacteria. Amoxicillin should not be prescribed for the typical sore throat associated with the common cold.
Amoxicillin with its superior absorption and slightly greater spectrum of activity has largely replaced ampicillin. The drug kills bacteria by interfering with synthesis of their cell wall and by forming free radicals. Most routinely prescribed antibiotics only inhibit growth of microorganisms and require the immune system to complete their removal.
Side effects associated with amoxicillin tend to be relatively mild and prominently include a skin rash and alteration of the intestinal flora which may lead to abdominal upset and diarrhea. Those allergic to penicillin will be allergic to amoxicillin. However a skin rash due to exposure to amoxicillin does not necessarily indicate a penicillin allergy.
Amoxicillin is one of several antibiotics on the American Heart Association list of antibiotics helpful in preventing heart problems due to dental manipulations in susceptible individuals. Amoxicillin also is included in a four drug combination meant to eradicate H. pylori, the bacterium associated with intestinal ulcers.