Key takeaways:
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a penicillin antibiotic that’s used to treat bacterial infections. Many brand-name versions of the medication have been discontinued, but Amoxil is still on the market. Most people are prescribed the generic version.
Nearly all insurance plans cover amoxicillin. Without insurance, 21 capsules of amoxicillin 500 mg cost an average of $12.62.
You could pay as low as $8.19 for the same quantity and dose of amoxicillin capsules with a GoodRx discount.
Save on related medications
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) is a prescription medication that is FDA approved to treat certain bacterial infections. It’s a penicillin antibiotic that’s also used off-label to treat conditions such as Lyme disease, periodontitis, and actinomycosis.
Amoxicillin, which is usually prescribed as a short-term treatment, is available in capsule, tablet, and oral suspension forms. The brand-name version Amoxil comes in capsule and oral suspension forms. Other brand-name versions of amoxicillin have been discontinued, including DisperMox, Moxatag, and Trimox.
The price of amoxicillin depends on various factors, including quantity, form, and the reason for taking it. But there are ways to save money on the medication, such as using a GoodRx discount and comparing pharmacy prices.
How much does amoxicillin cost without insurance?
The average retail price for 21 capsules of amoxicillin 500 mg is around $12.62. A 100 mL bottle of amoxicillin 125 mg / 5 mL oral suspension costs about $14.15 at some pharmacies.
Pricing of generic amoxicillin capsules vs. liquid
Retail prices can vary based on your pharmacy and other factors. Here’s what the average retail cost of amoxicillin looks like for different doses and forms at select pharmacies:
Amoxicillin quantity and form | Dose | Average retail price |
|---|---|---|
15 capsules | 250 mg | |
30 capsules | 250 mg | |
15 capsules | 500 mg | |
30 capsules | 500 mg | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 125 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 200 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 250 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 400 mg / 5 mL |
Which factors affect the cost of amoxicillin?
Several factors may affect the cost of amoxicillin, including:
Pharmacy: The price of amoxicillin can vary among pharmacies. This is because of differences in pricing policies, negotiated discounts, and membership benefits. Some pharmacies have discount programs that offer lower prices on certain medications.
Location: Where you live can affect the price of amoxicillin because of factors like cost of living, demand for medications, and competition among pharmacies. For example, GoodRx research shows that New Orleans is one of the most expensive cities for prescription medications.
Insurance: Even if you have insurance that covers amoxicillin, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles, coinsurance, or copays. These costs will depend on your plan and formulary. For example, a nonpreferred medication usually costs more than a preferred medication.
Dose and form: The dose and form of amoxicillin affects how much you’ll pay. For example, the average retail price for 21 capsules of amoxicillin 250 mg is around $12.35. For 21 tablets of amoxicillin 875 mg, the price is around $17.79. Liquid amoxicillin, a common prescription for children, costs around $15.07 on average. Your dosage and treatment duration can vary based on the type and severity of your infection, your body weight, and the function of your kidneys.
Quantity: The amount of amoxicillin you’re prescribed can also affect the price. For example, the average retail price for 15 capsules of amoxicillin 500 mg costs around $10.02, compared with $16.50 for 30 capsules.
Treatment plan: How often you take amoxicillin affects the amount you need and, in turn, the cost. For example, if you take the medication every 12 hours, you need 2 capsules a day. But if you take it every 8 hours, you need 3 capsules a day.
Generic vs. brand name: Generic amoxicillin typically costs less than the brand-name version.
Does insurance cover amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is covered by nearly all insurance types, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans.
Prior authorization is rarely needed for coverage of this medication, though a small number of Medicaid plans might require it.
To determine how your insurance covers amoxicillin and how much you’ll pay, refer to your health plan’s formulary or contact your insurer directly.
How different insurance plans cover amoxicillin
The table below breaks down the percentage of enrollees who have coverage for amoxicillin by insurance type. It also shows the likelihood of having prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
Insurance type | Enrollees covered for amoxicillin 500 mg capsule | Enrollees required to get prior authorization | Enrollees required to do step therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
100% | 0% | 0% | |
Commercial plans (excluding ACA plans) | 99.4% | 0% | 0% |
Medicare (Medicare Advantage and Part D plans) | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Medicaid, including state-run and managed care plans | 99.9% | 4.4% | 0% |
Source: Managed Markets Insight & Technology, LLC™, as of June 13, 2025. (See methodology below.)
If your insurance doesn’t cover amoxicillin, here are a few things you can try:
Review your health insurance plan documents. Check your summary of benefits and coverage to see if amoxicillin is covered and if there are requirements or coverage exceptions.
Find out if you need prior authorization. This is unlikely, but your insurance company may require prior authorization for amoxicillin. Your prescriber can submit documentation to demonstrate medical necessity if needed.
Ask your prescriber if there’s an alternative medication that’s covered by your plan or that may cost less out of pocket than amoxicillin.
Request a formulary exception from your insurance company. This is a special request asking to grant special approval and cover amoxicillin for you.
If your request for amoxicillin coverage is denied, you can file an appeal with your insurance company to ask for the decision to be reversed.
During your next open enrollment, consider selecting a plan that offers better coverage for your specific medications.
Ways to save money on amoxicillin
Below are four ways to save on amoxicillin, whether or not you have insurance coverage.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A GoodRx discount can help you save on many of your prescription medications. The table below shows what you might expect to pay for amoxicillin with a GoodRx discount at some pharmacies:
Amoxicillin quantity and form | Dose | GoodRx price (as low as) |
|---|---|---|
15 capsules | 250 mg | |
30 capsules | 250 mg | |
15 capsules | 500 mg | |
30 capsules | 500 mg | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 125 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 200 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 250 mg / 5 mL | |
1 bottle oral suspension | 100 mL of 400 mg / 5 mL |
To get a GoodRx discount
Visit the GoodRx website or download the app.
Type “amoxicillin” in the search box, and click on “amoxicillin (generic Amoxil)” to find discounts near you.
Choose your dose and quantity.
Have your discount information sent to you via text or email, or print it. If you’re using the app, keep the discount ready on your phone’s screen, or save it to your digital wallet.
Alert the pharmacy staff that you’ll be using a GoodRx discount before they fill your prescription to help prevent checkout delays.
2. Compare pharmacy prices
While using the GoodRx app or website, compare amoxicillin prices among pharmacies in your area. The medication might cost less at a location that’s not your regular pharmacy.
3. Consider a lower-cost alternative
In addition to amoxicillin, there may be other antibiotics that can treat bacterial infections and may cost less. Ask your healthcare professional about alternative medication options that could work well for your condition.
4. Tap into your tax-advantaged health accounts
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA), you can use those funds to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free. This includes amoxicillin prescribed by your healthcare professional. HSA funds never expire, but most FSA funds must be used by the end of the plan year unless your employer offers a carryover or grace period.
Frequently asked questions
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when taken as prescribed. Most people experience only mild side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, or a rash, which usually go away after finishing the medication. Serious reactions are rare but can include severe diarrhea or allergic reactions, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. If you experience serious reactions, call 911 or go to the ER right away. If you think you’ve taken too much amoxicillin, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the ER.
Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that treats many common bacterial infections. It comes in several strengths, including 250 mg, 500 mg, and 875 mg, among others. Your exact dosage will depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated as well as your overall health.
Yes. All medications, including amoxicillin, have manufacturer-set expiration dates that determine how long the medicine is guaranteed to remain stable and effective. After that, the medication may not work as well to treat your infection. Most expired medications aren’t harmful, but liquid antibiotics like amoxicillin can grow bacteria once they expire, which could make you sick. Liquid amoxicillin typically expires within a few weeks, so it’s important not to use it after that time. You also shouldn’t take any form of amoxicillin after its expiration date.
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when taken as prescribed. Most people experience only mild side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, or a rash, which usually go away after finishing the medication. Serious reactions are rare but can include severe diarrhea or allergic reactions, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. If you experience serious reactions, call 911 or go to the ER right away. If you think you’ve taken too much amoxicillin, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the ER.
Amoxicillin is a widely used antibiotic that treats many common bacterial infections. It comes in several strengths, including 250 mg, 500 mg, and 875 mg, among others. Your exact dosage will depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated as well as your overall health.
Yes. All medications, including amoxicillin, have manufacturer-set expiration dates that determine how long the medicine is guaranteed to remain stable and effective. After that, the medication may not work as well to treat your infection. Most expired medications aren’t harmful, but liquid antibiotics like amoxicillin can grow bacteria once they expire, which could make you sick. Liquid amoxicillin typically expires within a few weeks, so it’s important not to use it after that time. You also shouldn’t take any form of amoxicillin after its expiration date.
The bottom line
Without insurance, the average cost of 21 capsules of amoxicillin 500 mg is around $12.62. The price you pay out of pocket depends on the pharmacy, quantity, and other factors. The price you pay with insurance depends on your plan details.
Other ways you can save money on amoxicillin is by using a GoodRx discount and comparing prices at different pharmacies. If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), you can use those pretax funds to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for the medication.
Why trust our experts?
Methodology
We obtained national prescription coverage data for each medication from Managed Markets Insight & Technology (MMIT). The data reflects health insurance coverage as of June 2025.
We calculated the percentage of enrollees in plans that cover each medication by dividing the number of enrollees covered for the medication within a specific insurance channel (e.g., ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) by the total number of enrollees in all plans within that channel.
We determined the percentage of enrollees in plans with a prior authorization requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that required prior authorization for the medication within each channel.
Finally, we measured the percentage of enrollees in plans with a step therapy requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that imposed step therapy requirements for the medication in each channel.
These estimates, derived from national MMIT coverage data, provide insight into health insurance coverage for each medication. They take into account restrictions such as prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits. The percentages are expressed relative to the total number of enrollees covered by various insurance channels, including ACA plans, commercial (excluding ACA) plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (both state-run and managed care plans).
References
Akhavan, B. J., et al. (2023). Amoxicillin. StatPearls.
DirectRx. (2022). Amoxil- amoxicillin oral susp powder, for suspension [package insert].
Drugs@FDA. (2002). Abbreviated new drug application 061885. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Drugs@FDA. (2003). Abbreviated new drug application 065080. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Gasner, N. S., et al. (2025). Periodontal disease. StatPearls.
MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals. (2008). Moxatag- amoxicillin tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Sharma, S., et al. (2023). Actinomycosis. StatPearls.
USAntibiotics. (2024). Amoxil (amoxicillin) tablets, for oral use; Amoxil (amoxicillin) for oral suspension; Amoxil (amoxicillin) chewable tablets, for oral use [package insert].
