Can You Open Amoxicillin Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not amoxicillin capsules can be opened.
Can I break a 500mg amoxicillin capsule into something and eat it?
Aug 23, 2021- Amoxicillin capsules can be safely opened and sprinkled onto food like applesauce or pudding, but you should take the dose immediately after opening rather than mixing it ahead of time.
- Amoxicillin powder tastes bitter, so liquid suspension or chewable tablets may be easier to tolerate if you're having trouble with the capsules.
- Most amoxicillin can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help if you experience stomach discomfort.
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.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Amoxicillin
- An antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections.
- Capsules
- Pill containers made of gelatin that hold medication powder inside.
- Degrade
- To become weaker or less effective over time.
- Dosage forms
- Different physical shapes and types in which a medication can be made available, such as tablets or liquids.
- Extended-release
- A medication designed to release its active ingredient slowly into the body over several hours.
- Suspension
- A liquid medication where the active drug is mixed throughout a liquid base.
- Nausea
- A feeling of sickness in the stomach that may lead to vomiting.
- Tolerated
- Able to be taken or used without causing unwanted side effects.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →