Alphamox (Amoxicillin (As Trihydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Alphamox Used For?
Alphamox contains amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacterial infections throughout your body.
Primary Uses
Alphamox treats bacterial infections including pneumonia (chest infections), tonsillitis, sinusitis, urinary and genital tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. It can also prevent heart infections (endocarditis) in certain patients undergoing dental procedures.
How It Works
Alphamox works by killing the bacteria that cause infections. It will not work against viral infections like colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Alphamox is addictive.
How to Take Alphamox
Take Alphamox exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose is 250 mg to 500 mg three times daily (every 8 hours). Children’s doses vary based on weight. People with kidney problems may need smaller doses. Swallow capsules whole with water. Can be taken with or without food. Continue taking until the full course is finished, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Don’t take two doses within an hour of each other.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Oral thrush (white, furry tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush (itchy vagina with discharge)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Difficulty or pain urinating
- Severe watery or bloody diarrhea
- Mouth ulcers
- Excessive muscle movements
- Dizziness or convulsions
- Red rash on buttocks, thighs, armpits, or neck
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, hives)
- Severe diarrhea with stomach cramps and fever (can occur weeks after stopping)
Important Warnings
Before taking Alphamox, make sure your doctor knows about your medical history and any allergies.
Who Should Not Take Alphamox
Do not take if you’re allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any ingredients in the capsules. Don’t take if the package is expired, torn, or tampered with.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have glandular fever (mononucleosis), leukemia, blood disorders, kidney or liver problems, or if you’ve had allergic reactions to antibiotics before. Also mention if you’re planning surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Alphamox may be taken during pregnancy and has been used safely in many pregnant women. It can pass into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with how Alphamox works or increase side effects.
Birth Control: Alphamox may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss additional contraception with your doctor.
- Gout medicines (probenecid, allopurinol)
- Birth control pills (contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced)
- Other antibiotics like tetracyclines
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Methotrexate (for arthritis and cancer)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Alphamox affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Alphamox affects you.
Storage
Keep capsules in their original blister pack until ready to take. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters high.
Overdose Information
If you or someone else takes too much Alphamox, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days or become worse, contact your doctor. Continue taking the full course even if you feel better.
Yes, Alphamox can be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
No, there is no evidence that Alphamox is addictive.
Don’t stop taking Alphamox just because you feel better, as the infection may return. Your infection may not clear completely if you stop too soon. Always complete the full course as prescribed.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses within an hour of each other.
No, never give Alphamox to anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms. Only take it for conditions your doctor has prescribed it for.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe diarrhea, especially if it’s watery or bloody. Don’t take anti-diarrheal medications without checking with your doctor first, as this could indicate a serious bowel condition.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.