What does amoxicillin mean?
Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin class. It is effective against a range of bacterial infections, including strep throat, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is usually taken orally and is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid suspensions. As with all antibiotics, amoxicillin should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure proper treatment and to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
nounAmoxicillin is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of penicillin antibiotics.
- A type of antibiotic
- A specific medication for bacterial infections
"The doctor prescribed amoxicillin to treat the patient's strep throat infection."
"The patient was given amoxicillin to take orally for 7 days."
"Amoxicillin is often used to treat ear infections in children."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is derived from the words 'amino' and 'oxacillin', reflecting its chemical structure. It was first synthesized in the 1960s as a modification of penicillin. The name 'amoxicillin' follows the standard nomenclature for penicillin antibiotics.
Usage notes
Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic, often used in both human and veterinary medicine. It is usually taken orally.