Guidance on Amoxicillin Dosing for Tonsillitis
My 11-year-old niece has been diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed 500 mg of amoxicillin, which she needs to take twice a day over a course of 10 days. Last night, my mom administered only one dose because she was concerned about the timing of the doses. To clarify, I reached out to the pharmacy. They advised that she should not take two capsules at once; instead, she should stick to the prescribed regimen of taking two doses daily, with only a single dose on the final day of treatment. Currently, I am uncertain whether I should administer both amoxicillin doses simultaneously or space them throughout the day. Additionally, she is on methylprednisolone, following the instructions on the packaging, having already taken her two pills this morning along with one of the amoxicillin doses.
Answers (1)

6/28/2025, 2:20:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're actively seeking guidance on how to administer amoxicillin for your niece's tonsillitis. Here are the key points regarding her medication regimen:
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Amoxicillin Dosing: Your niece should take the amoxicillin as prescribed—500 mg twice daily for 10 days. She should not take both doses at once; they should be spaced out evenly about 12 hours apart.
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Timing of Doses: If she missed a dose, it's essential to give it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to the time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double up to make up for the missed dose.
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Methylprednisolone: Continue administering the methylprednisolone according to the instructions. It's crucial to maintain the prescribed schedule for both medications to ensure effectiveness and reduce any potential interactions.
Next Steps:
- Follow the Dosing Schedule: Ensure she takes 500 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours. For example, if she took her last dose at 8 AM, give her the next dose at 8 PM.
- Monitor for Side Effects: Watch for any signs of allergic reactions or side effects (like rash, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal issues) after starting amoxicillin. If you notice anything concerning, seek medical advice.
- Stay Consistent with Methylprednisolone: Keep following the prescribed regimen for methylprednisolone as indicated.
Important Note:
Always encourage your niece to finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if she starts feeling better before the 10 days are complete.
If you have any lingering questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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