Amoxicillin Absorption Advantage — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPharmacologyAmoxicillin Absorption AdvantageMFDS Part 1

Compared with phenoxymethylpenicillin, which statement about the pharmacology of oral amoxicillin is correct?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — It is more completely absorbed, and its absorption is not impaired by food

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

A is correct. Oral amoxicillin is rapidly and well absorbed, with approximately 70% bioavailability, and its absorption is not influenced by food. Phenoxymethylpenicillin is less completely absorbed at around 60%; food can slightly reduce its absorption or peak plasma concentration, and therapeutic absorption is occasionally inadequate. Amoxicillin has a broader, not narrower, antibacterial spectrum. It is less highly protein bound than phenoxymethylpenicillin and, like phenoxymethylpenicillin, is a beta-lactam penicillin. Its principal route of elimination is renal rather than biliary. This pharmacokinetic advantage does not mean that amoxicillin is universally preferred for dental infections; antibiotic choice must follow dental antimicrobial guidance and stewardship principles.

Reference: electronic Medicines Compendium, Amoxicillin 500 mg Capsules SmPC, section 5.2, revised 2025-10-09, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10638/smpc; and Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250 mg Tablets SmPC, sections 4.2 and 5.2, revised 2025-07-16, https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15480/smpc