Can You Open Amoxicillin Capsules?

Hello and thank you for your question!

Yes, amoxicillin capsules can safely be opened and sprinkled onto foods such as applesauce or pudding.

Two points of caution here though.

First, make sure that you immediately take each dose after opening the capsule.

'Pre-mixing' amoxicillin with food, and storing it for later use, could degrade the drug, making it less effective over time. So only open a capsule and mix it with food on a dose-by-dose basis.

Second, amoxicillin powder has a bitter, unpalatable taste. The good news is that it is available in a variety of dosage forms that may be preferable to opening capsules.

If you are having trouble tolerating or swallowing amoxicillin capsules, ask your doctor about these alternative amoxicillin dosage forms:

• Amoxicillin chewable tablets
• Amoxicillin suspension

With Or Without Food?

Most amoxicillin products can be taken with or without food. If you feel any stomach discomfort or nausea after taking a dose, food may help the medication be better tolerated.

The only exception here is Moxatag, an extended-release form of amoxicillin. Moxatag should be taken with a meal.

Additionally, Moxatag tablets cannot be altered. Cutting or splitting them will ruin the extended-release properties of the drug, releasing the entire dose at once.

Final Words

We appreciate you reaching out to us!

As mentioned in the answer, above, there are no issues opening amoxicillin capsules and placing the drug powder on something like pudding to take your dose.

If you find this cumbersome, or you still can't tolerate the taste, I'd ask your provider for an amoxicillin liquid suspension. It tastes better and would be easier to dose.