# Amoxicillin in Nigeria

Amoxicillin has 130 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 70 registration holders; 211 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/amoxicillin/
- Drug class: Beta-lactam antibiotic (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Amoxycillin, Amoxil
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, the only amoxicillin our sampled online pharmacies (HealthPlus) list is Amoxil, at about ₦5,770 for syrup. That is Amoxil's price, not the molecule's: 38 amoxicillin brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less, so ask a licensed pharmacy for a generic by name and check its NAFDAC number before you pay.

## What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is the most widely used antibiotic in Nigeria and across West Africa. It belongs to the penicillin family of antibiotics, which are part of a larger group known as beta-lactam antibiotics. Amoxicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls, which ultimately kills the bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it a first-line treatment for many common infections seen in Nigerian hospitals, clinics, and health centres.

In Nigeria amoxicillin is on every pharmacy and patent-medicine shelf, as 250 mg and 500 mg capsules, a suspension for children and dispersible tablets. Our October 2026 copy of the NAFDAC register lists 341 amoxicillin products, 130 of them with Active registrations, most made in Nigeria — A.C. Drugs' Acimox, Avro's Avromox, Chris-Ejik's Imox and Emzor's Emmox suspension among them. GSK's Amoxil, the name most people still ask for, reads differently in the register: the Amoxil 250 capsule registration is recorded Expired (December 2024) and the Amoxil suspension Inactive (September 2025). That is a renewal matter for the holder rather than proof any pack is fake, but it means an Amoxil pack should be checked by the number printed on it, not trusted by its name. The suspension matters most: ear, throat and chest infections in children are among the commonest reasons a Nigerian family buys an antibiotic at all.

One major concern with amoxicillin use in Nigeria is the growing problem of antibiotic resistance driven by self-medication. Many Nigerians purchase amoxicillin over the counter without a prescription, often taking incomplete courses or using it for viral infections like colds and malaria where antibiotics are ineffective. This misuse has contributed to rising resistance rates, making previously treatable infections harder to manage. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and health authorities continue to advocate for responsible antibiotic use to preserve the effectiveness of this essential medicine.

## What is Amoxicillin used for?

- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — a very common complaint at Nigerian hospitals and clinics
- Upper and lower respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia
- Ear infections (otitis media), especially in children
- Dental infections and abscesses
- Typhoid fever — usually in combination with other antibiotics
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Throat infections including streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
- Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of triple therapy for peptic ulcer disease)

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The standard adult dose is 500mg taken three times daily (every 8 hours) for 5 to 7 days. For milder infections, 250mg three times daily may be sufficient. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better, to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Children: Dosage for children is based on body weight. The usual dose is 25mg to 50mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into three doses (every 8 hours). For children who cannot swallow capsules, amoxicillin suspension is available in 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml strengths. Your pharmacist will help measure the correct dose using the child's weight. Always use the measuring spoon or syringe provided — do not use household spoons.
- Elderly: Elderly patients generally take the same dose as adults, but your doctor may adjust the dose if there is reduced kidney function. Kidney function tests may be recommended for elderly patients on prolonged courses.

Always complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Do not share your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Store suspension in the refrigerator after reconstitution and discard after 14 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up on your next dose.

## Side effects

Common: Diarrhoea — this is the most frequently reported side effect; Nausea and vomiting; Skin rash; Stomach discomfort or abdominal pain; Headache.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and severe skin rash. This is a medical emergency.; Stevens-Johnson syndrome — a rare but serious skin reaction with blistering and peeling; Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, watery diarrhoea that does not stop; Liver problems — yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine; Blood disorders — unusual bruising, bleeding, or persistent sore throat.

When to see a doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, severe swelling, widespread rash with blistering, severe diarrhoea with blood, or yellowing of the skin. In Nigeria, go to the nearest hospital emergency unit or call your doctor immediately. If you are in a rural area, visit the nearest primary health centre. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen — allergic reactions to penicillins can be life-threatening.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to penicillin or any other beta-lactam antibiotic (such as ampicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate); Previous severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any penicillin-type antibiotic; History of liver problems associated with amoxicillin use; Infectious mononucleosis (amoxicillin can cause a distinctive rash in this condition).

Interactions: Methotrexate — amoxicillin can increase methotrexate toxicity; Warfarin — may increase the anticoagulant effect, requiring closer monitoring of INR; Oral contraceptive pills — although evidence is debated, some clinicians advise using additional contraception during antibiotic treatment; Probenecid — increases amoxicillin blood levels by reducing kidney excretion; Allopurinol — increased risk of skin rash when taken together.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Amoxicillin is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is classified as Category B in pregnancy, meaning animal studies have shown no risk, and it is widely prescribed for pregnant women in Nigeria for conditions like UTIs and respiratory infections. Small amounts pass into breast milk but are not usually harmful to the nursing infant. However, always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Amoxil 250 (GlaxoSmithKline, made in India); Amoxil Suspension (GSK, made in India); Amoxil 500 (GlaxoSmithKline, made in UK); Emmox Suspension (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, made in Nigeria); Acimox (A.C. Drugs Ltd, made in Nigeria); Avromox (Avro Pharma Limited, made in Nigeria); Imox-500 (Chris-Ejik Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Products Limited, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/amoxicillin/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number printed on the pack. In our October 2026 copy of the register, Acimox (A4-8982), Imox-500 (04-2284) and Emmox Suspension (04-5251) are Active; Avromox (A4-5662) is recorded Inactive since September 2026
2. Enter the number in our free NAFDAC checker and confirm the product name, strength and holder match the pack. Amoxil 250 (04-2508) is recorded Expired and Amoxil Suspension (04-2402) Expired in our copy — confirm either on the official Greenbook before relying on it, and treat an Amoxil pack with no number at all as the warning sign
3. Where the pack carries a NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service scratch panel, text the code to 38353; not every registered product carries one, so its absence alone proves nothing
4. Buy from reputable pharmacies rather than open markets or roadside vendors. Registered pharmacies are more likely to stock genuine products.
5. Check the expiry date and ensure the packaging is intact with no signs of tampering.
6. Look for the manufacturer's hologram or security features on the pack if available.
7. If the price seems unusually cheap compared to what pharmacies around you charge, be cautious — it may be substandard or counterfeit.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Is amoxicillin NAFDAC approved?

Yes — under many brands. Our October 2026 copy of the NAFDAC register lists 341 amoxicillin products, 130 of them with Active registrations, including Nigerian-made Acimox (A4-8982), Imox-500 (04-2284) and Emmox Suspension (04-5251); Avro's Avromox (A4-5662) is recorded Inactive since September 2026. GSK's Amoxil 250 capsules (04-2508) are recorded Expired and the Amoxil suspension (04-2402) Expired in our copy. Check the number on your own pack in our NAFDAC checker rather than relying on the name.

### Can I buy amoxicillin without a prescription in Nigeria?

Amoxicillin is officially a prescription-only medicine in Nigeria. However, in practice, it is widely sold over the counter at pharmacies and patent medicine stores across the country without a prescription. While this makes it easily accessible, self-medication with antibiotics is strongly discouraged because it contributes to antibiotic resistance — a growing crisis in Nigeria and globally. It is always best to see a doctor or pharmacist who can properly assess your condition before taking amoxicillin.

### Can I use amoxicillin for typhoid fever?

Amoxicillin has historically been used for typhoid fever in Nigeria, but increasing resistance of Salmonella typhi to amoxicillin means it is often no longer effective as a standalone treatment. Your doctor may prescribe it as part of combination therapy. For typhoid, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone are now more commonly recommended depending on sensitivity results. Always get a proper diagnosis — many febrile illnesses in Nigeria that people assume are typhoid may actually be malaria or other infections.

### What is the difference between amoxicillin and Augmentin?

Augmentin contains amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid. The clavulanic acid helps overcome bacterial resistance by blocking an enzyme (beta-lactamase) that some bacteria produce to destroy amoxicillin. Augmentin is therefore effective against a wider range of bacteria, including resistant strains. It is more expensive than plain amoxicillin and is typically reserved for infections that are unlikely to respond to amoxicillin alone.

### How should I store amoxicillin suspension?

Once reconstituted (mixed with water), amoxicillin suspension should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8°C and used within 14 days. If you do not have a refrigerator, store it in the coolest part of your home away from direct sunlight and heat, and try to use it within 7 days. Shake the bottle well before each use. Discard any leftover suspension after the course is completed or after 14 days, whichever comes first.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)