Moxatag (Amoxicillin): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Moxatag is a brand name version of the antibiotic amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in adults and children over age 12.

Moxatag is an extended-release version of amoxicillin, designed for being administered with one dose per day.

Amoxicillin is also available as a generic version—which is just called amoxicillin—or under other brand names including Amoxil and Biomox.

Your doctor may prescribe Moxatag alone, or with other prescription medications.

In this article, I’ll explain more about Moxatag, including its uses, side effects, and dosage, including what to do if you miss a dose.

I’ll provide some precautions about this medication, and tell you when you should talk to a doctor.

What is Moxatag?

Moxatag is a brand name version of amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin is in the class of penicillin antibiotics.

It is broad-spectrum, meaning it works on lots of different bacteria.

Amoxicillin is made by pairing an extra amino group with penicillin, which helps combat resistance to the drug.

It works by inhibiting bacteria’s ability to grow.

Moxatag is not effective against viral infections like colds, COVID-19,or the flu.

For this, there are a range of cold and flu medications available by prescription and over the counter.

You should only take Moxatag when it is prescribed to you for a specific infection, and you should complete the entire course, as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

It should not be shared with other people or saved for later use.

Moxatag Uses

Stomach infection

Moderate to severe stomach infections that are caused by bacteria require antibiotics to cure them.

Specifically, H. pylori, a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, can be treated with amoxicillin in combination with other medications.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs.

The sacs may become filled with fluid and pus and make it difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or chemical irritants.

Common symptoms include a productive cough, trouble breathing, fever, and chills.

Amoxicillin can treat mild cases of pneumonia.

Sinus infection

Sinus infections (sinusitis) occur when the cavities within the nasal passages become inflamed.

For acute cases, this can be triggered by a cold or allergies, and usually resolves on its own.

However, if your sinus infection lasts longer than two weeks—and especially if it lasts for two months or longer—you may have chronic sinusitis.

This will require treatment with antibiotics.

Skin infections

If you have red, tender, or swollen skin, you may have a skin infection.

Some skin infections, such as cellulitis, require antibiotics such as amoxicillin to heal.

Consult with your doctor so they can determine if you need antibiotics.

Group A streptococci infections

Group A streptococci, also known as streptococcus pyogenes, are bacteria found in your throat or on your skin.

A mild Group A streptococci infection can begin as a mild skin infection, but can develop into more life-threatening cases if left untreated.

These infections can be treated effectively with amoxicillin.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common: Around 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.

These infections can occur in your kidneys, bladder, urethra, or uterus.

Mild cases can be treated with home remedies such as herbal products, but if you have a more serious UTI, visit a doctor who can prescribe you an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin. 

Moxatag Side Effects

While many people who take Moxatag will not experience any side effects, there are some fairly common reactions to amoxicillin.

Let your doctor know right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Mild rash

Prolonged use of the drug may result in oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection.

This will appear as white patches in your mouth or a thick, white vaginal discharge.

If you experience diarrhea, avoid taking anti-diarrheal medications and seek medical advice instead.

Potential severe side effects

In rare cases, you may experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Dark urine
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Susceptibility to bruising or bleeding

If you develop any of these serious symptoms, let your doctor know right away, or go to the ER. 

How to Take Moxatag

Dosage and administration

Moxatag is typically taken once a day for 10 days within an hour of finishing a meal, or as prescribed by your doctor.

It is taken by mouth.

For best results, you should take Moxatag at the same time each day.

This will also help you to remember to take your dose.

Unless instructed by your doctor or pharmacist, do not split the tablets—swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing.

Crushing or chewing a time-release tablet can release all the drug at once and put you at a greater risk of side effects. 

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Moxatag, do not take two doses at once.

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular time.

What happens if I take too much?

If you or someone else has overdosed and are experiencing serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, a severe lack of urination, or seizures, call 9-1-1 immediately.

You can also seek medical help by calling a poison control center.

For U.S. residents, the local poison control center contact number is 1-800-222-1222.

Precautions for Moxatag

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Moxatag or any penicillin.

Detail your medical history with your doctor, and mention if you have a history of asthma, liver or kidney disease, a blood clotting disorder, or if you are currently taking any other prescription drugs.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are taking birth control pills, they may be less effective with Moxatag.

It is advised that you use an additional barrier method to prevent unwanted pregnancy while taking Moxatag and for one week afterwards.

How K Health Can Help

Do you have questions about amoxicillin, whether it could help you, or things you need to know about a current prescription?

You can speak to a primary care provider from the comfort of your own home with K Health.

You can get affordable primary care with the K Health app.

Download K Health to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.