Does Amoxicillin Suspension Contain Sugar?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses how much sugar is contained in amoxicillin suspension.
Is amoxicillin 400mg per 5 ml size 75 ml bottle solution sugar-free? Can diabetics take it? The specific drug I am asking about is Aurobindo amoxicillin - NDC 65862-071-75.
Oct 18, 2022- Amoxicillin suspension contains sucrose as an inactive ingredient, with most products containing approximately 2 to 3 grams of sugar per teaspoon (5mL).
- Amoxicillin suspension is considered safe for diabetics because of the relatively low sugar content, but people with diabetes should account for this sugar intake when managing their diet and insulin therapy.
Answer
Yes, amoxicillin suspension does contain sugar (listed as sucrose in the product labeling).
The specific product you state in your question (amoxicillin 400mg/5mL manufactured by Aurobindo - NDC 65862-071-75) lists 'sucrose' as an inactive ingredient in the prescribing information for the drug:
Each 5 mL of reconstituted suspension contains amoxicillin trihydrate equivalent to 200 mg or 400 mg anhydrous amoxicillin. Each 5 mL of the 200 mg and 400 mg reconstituted suspension contains 0.16 mEq (3.61 mg) of sodium; Inactive ingredients: sucrose, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, edetate disodium, FD&C Red No. 3, xanthan gum, bubble-gum flavor, and colloidal silicon dioxide.
How Much Sugar Does Amoxicillin Suspension Contain?
Most amoxicillin suspension products do not list the exact amount of sugar contained in them as sugar is an inactive ingredient, and the precise amount is not required to be labeled.
Nevertheless, studies of sweeteners in pediatric liquid medications show that the sucrose content can range from 18%-80% (this would equate to between 0.9 grams to 4 grams of sugar per 5mL of liquid), depending on the product. Per one study:
Sweetener information on 160 preparations was obtained. For antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, and penicillin VK, products from different manufacturers had a wide range of sucrose concentration (18%-80%).
Comparable prescription antibiotic suspension products that are available in Canada and the UK contain between 2 and 3 grams of sucrose (i.e., sugar) per teaspoonful (5mL). This equates to 40%-60% sucrose concentration, so right in line with the above study results.
Although the exact amount of sugar in the product you mention (Aurobindo amoxicillin 400mg/5mL) isn't labeled, it's expected to contain around 2-3 grams per teaspoon (5mL). Please note that I have reached out to Aurobindo for this exact information and will provide it when it is available.
Can A Diabetic Safely Use Amoxicillin Suspension Since It Contains Sugar?
If you are diabetic, you certainly want to be aware of your sugar and overall carbohydrate intake. This is especially true if you inject a certain amount of insulin based on how many carbohydrates you ingest.
As mentioned in the section above, amoxicillin suspension products do contain sugar, but it is a relatively low amount, around 2 to 3 grams per 5mL (which equates to 8 to 12 calories per 5mL).
Overall, amoxicillin suspension is safe for diabetics based on the low sugar content but be aware and take into account the fact that it does contain some and adjust your diet/insulin therapy as appropriate.
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out and I hope this answer was helpful!
References & sources
- Amoxicillin 125mg/5ml Oral Suspension BP — Kent Pharma UK Ltd
- Sweetener content of common pediatric oral liquid medications — PubMed
- Amoxicillin by Sanis — Med Broadcast
- Sweetener content and cariogenic potential of pediatric oral medications: A literature — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Sucrose
- A type of sugar commonly used as a sweetener in medications.
- Inactive ingredient
- A substance in a medication that does not have a therapeutic effect but serves other purposes like taste or texture.
- Amoxicillin trihydrate
- The chemical form of the antibiotic amoxicillin combined with water molecules.
- Anhydrous
- A form of a substance that contains no water.
- Reconstituted suspension
- A liquid medication made by mixing a powder form with liquid before use.
- Sodium benzoate
- A chemical preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medications.
- Xanthan gum
- A thickening agent added to liquids to create the proper consistency.
- Prescribing information
- The official document that contains details about a medication's ingredients, dosage, and usage instructions.
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...
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