Amoxicillin is a widely-used antibiotic that's generally easy to administer to children due to its pleasant taste and flexible dosing options. Understanding proper administration techniques ensures your child receives the full benefit of this important medication.
All ages
125 mg/5 mL
Bubble gum or strawberry - Excellent - most children accept readily palatability
All ages, especially toddlers and preschoolers
200 mg/5 mL
Bubble gum or strawberry - Excellent - well accepted palatability
Older children who can handle larger volumes
250 mg/5 mL
Bubble gum or strawberry - Good - may be slightly more medicinal palatability
School-age children and adolescents
400 mg/5 mL
Bubble gum or mixed berry - Good - stronger taste due to concentration palatability
Children who can chew tablets (usually 3+ years)
125 mg, 250 mg
Cherry-banana-peppermint - Good - pleasant taste when chewed palatability
Children who can swallow capsules (usually 6+ years)
250 mg, 500 mg
No taste if swallowed whole - Excellent if child can swallow palatability
Verify child's name, dose amount, frequency, and total days of treatment. Ensure concentration matches what was prescribed.
Safety Note: Different concentrations require different volumes - double check
Take suspension out 15-20 minutes before dose to warm slightly. Cold medicine may cause more stomach upset.
Safety Note: Never leave out more than 30 minutes
Shake for at least 10 seconds until completely mixed. The powder settles between doses.
Safety Note: Inadequate mixing leads to incorrect dosing
Use the provided measuring device (syringe or cup). Draw up to the exact line. Check at eye level.
Safety Note: Never use household spoons - they vary in size
Give directly from syringe or cup. Can follow with favorite drink. Praise child for cooperation.
Safety Note: Ensure full dose is swallowed
Rinse measuring device with warm water. Return medicine to refrigerator immediately.
Safety Note: Prevents contamination and maintains potency
Method: Oral syringe along inner cheek
Positioning: Semi-upright in arms or infant seat
Method: Oral syringe or medicine cup
Positioning: Sitting upright in highchair or on lap
Method: Medicine cup or chewable tablets
Positioning: Sitting at table
Method: Capsules, tablets, or liquid per preference
Positioning: Standing or sitting independently
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Consider calling your pediatrician if this issue persists
Temperature: Not specified
Stability: Not specified
Risk: Significant under or overdosing (up to 40% error)
Prevention: Always use provided measuring device or pharmacy syringe
Risk: Infection recurrence and antibiotic resistance
Prevention: Emphasize completing full course from start
Risk: Loss of potency, treatment failure
Prevention: Clear storage instructions, reminder on bottle
Amoxicillin's excellent taste makes it one of the easiest antibiotics to administer to children
Twice-daily dosing is as effective as three-times daily for most infections and improves compliance
Room temperature doses are better tolerated than cold, but don't leave out >30 minutes
Probiotics given 2 hours apart from doses can reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 50%
With its pleasant taste and flexible dosing, amoxicillin is one of the easier medications to give to children. By following proper storage and dosing techniques, and completing the full course, you're helping ensure your child's infection clears completely while preventing antibiotic resistance.