About Amoxicillin 500 mg Capsule
Amoxicillin 500 mg Capsule contains Amoxicillin 500 mg. This is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat many infections caused by bacteria, such as those of the ear, nose, throat, chest, urinary tract, skin and teeth. It does not work against viral infections like colds or flu. It is important to finish the full course even if you feel better.
Uses of Amoxicillin 500 mg Capsule
- Ear, nose and throat infections
- Chest infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and dental infections
- As part of treatment for H. pylori stomach infection (with other medicines)
Benefits
In bacterial infections
It kills the bacteria causing the infection, which helps your symptoms improve. Taking every dose for the full course helps clear the infection and lowers the chance of it coming back or the bacteria becoming resistant.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe or watery diarrhoea, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus, during or after treatment — contact your doctor
- Skin blistering, peeling or a widespread rash with fever — stop and get medical help
- Allergic reaction (people with penicillin allergy are at risk): swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, at evenly spaced times. Swallow the capsule whole with water; it can be taken with or without food. Complete the full course even if you feel better.
How it works
It stops bacteria from building their cell walls, so the bacteria break down and die.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known. Drinking is still best avoided while you are unwell.
Pregnancy Caution
It is commonly used in pregnancy when needed, but take it only if your doctor prescribes it.
Breastfeeding Caution
Small amounts pass into breast milk and may cause loose stools or thrush in the baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving. Do not drive if you feel dizzy.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; the dose may need to be changed.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease; it may need monitoring.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Complete the full course, even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to penicillin or any other antibiotic.
- Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them with others.
- Drink plenty of fluids if you get diarrhoea, and tell your doctor if it is severe.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Aminopenicillin (beta-lactam)
- Therapeutic class
- Anti-infective
- Action class
- Penicillin antibiotic (cell wall synthesis inhibitor)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Levels of methotrexate may rise, increasing side effects |
| Warfarin | The blood-thinning effect may change; extra blood tests may be needed |
| Allopurinol | Higher chance of skin rash |
| Probenecid | Raises amoxicillin levels in the blood |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Amoxicillin prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: amoxicillin). Pharmacist review pending.