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What are the Pros and Cons of Liquid Amoxicillin?

N. Farley
N. Farley

Upon receiving a prescription for amoxicillin, some individuals prefer to take the drug in a liquid, rather than a tablet, form. The pros of taking liquid amoxicillin include its convenience, as some patients have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules. There are also cons of liquid amoxicillin, though, as it must be refrigerated and might not last as long as the capsule or tablet forms.

Liquid amoxicillin offers a solution to people who have trouble with pills and capsules. These individuals may not otherwise be able to take the medication. As amoxicillin is a common prescription for many types of bacterial infections, the liquid form makes it accessible to a wider group of people.

Some people find the pill form of amoxicillin harder to swallow than the liquid form.
Some people find the pill form of amoxicillin harder to swallow than the liquid form.

Amoxicillin is also available in chewable form, though some people prefer the taste of liquid amoxicillin to chewing tablets. The liquid form can also be mixed with other beverages, such as water, milk and juice. When a patient mixes amoxicillin with another form of liquid, it is important that the dose be taken right away to prevent it from spoiling.

Liquid amoxicillin is only available via prescription.
Liquid amoxicillin is only available via prescription.

Some people prefer to take amoxicillin tablets because they do not expire as quickly as the liquid form. When amoxicillin is taken in liquid form, any unused medication should be thrown away after 14 days. Amoxicillin pills might last slightly longer, but still lose their potency over time. When doctors prescribe amoxicillin, it is important to take the full dosage in order to prevent infections from returning. Ending the prescription early can cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatments and it might return as an even stronger strain.

Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.

Liquid amoxicillin should be kept refrigerated at all times. Some individuals are unable to take liquid amoxicillin for this reason. If the dosage requires that the medication be taken multiple times per day, access to the refrigerator might not always be possible. Individual doses of amoxicillin should not be taken out of the refrigerator and carried throughout the day. Liquid amoxicillin left at room temperature can promote the growth of bacterial resistance.

Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.
Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.

Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, though some people find that taking it with a meal can prevent stomach upset. Patients should consult a doctor to determine whether amoxicillin is incompatible with other medications they may be taking. Some side effects of amoxicillin include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Some patients experience yeast infections while taking amoxicillin, while others develop allergic reactions including a rash, hives or difficulty breathing.

Discussion Comments

anon999874

Your post is incorrect in that it says the liquid has to be refrigerated. On the bottle I received, it says refrigeration is recommended, but not necessary.

bear78

@ankara-- It can be very difficult to give babies liquid amoxicillin. What flavor do you have?

The pharmacist can add different flavors to it so that babies and kids will take it more easily. You might want to ask for a different flavor if your son hates the one you have now.

When I had to give my daughter liquid amoxicillin, I would give her a toy to distract her or make faces or something and slowly put it in her mouth. Using a clean syringe can make that easier.

bluedolphin

My son who is just nine months old has to take liquid amoxicillin antibiotic for an ear infection. But he doesn't like it. He keeps spitting it out and I'm scared that the ear infection is going to get worse.

I try to just put it into his mouth slowly with a spoon. Is there a better way to give it to him?

literally45

Liquid amoxicillin is great. I was prescribed amoxicillin capsules when I had strep throat. It was so difficult to take it because the capsules were huge and my throat was very swollen and painful. I almost gagged every time.

I mentioned it to my doctor on the second day of my treatment and he gave me a prescription for amoxicillin liquid. I took the liquid for the remainder of my treatment. It made life so much easier for me.

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    • Some people find the pill form of amoxicillin harder to swallow than the liquid form.
      By: Oleksii Nykonchuk
      Some people find the pill form of amoxicillin harder to swallow than the liquid form.
    • Liquid amoxicillin is only available via prescription.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Liquid amoxicillin is only available via prescription.
    • Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects of amoxicillin.
    • Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.
      By: ognianmed
      Liquid amoxicillin may be administered to children in lieu of pills.
    • A syringe is recommended for giving exact dosages of liquid amoxicillin to young children and babies.
      By: Rachakrit
      A syringe is recommended for giving exact dosages of liquid amoxicillin to young children and babies.
    • Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for strep throat.
      By: JackF
      Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for strep throat.
    • Amoxicillin that comes in liquid form should be refrigerated.
      By: Odua Images
      Amoxicillin that comes in liquid form should be refrigerated.