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Introduction About MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is a combination of Ampicillin and Cloxacillin which belongs to the group of medicines called Penicillin Antibiotics. It is used to manage respiratory tract infections like bronchopneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, post-operative wound infections, postoperative pulmonary infections, puerperal fever and other infections such as septicaemia, pelvic infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections, bone infections like Ex. osteomyelitis, ear, nose and throat infections.
Before taking MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless clearly necessary. Contact your doctor before taking it.
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Contact your doctor before taking.
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use in neonates with jaundice and should be used with caution in children. Contact your doctor before taking.
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years). Contact your doctor before taking.
The most common side effects of this medicine are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or stomach upset and skin rash. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Uses Of MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE
It is used to manage:
- infected wounds or lung infections following surgery
- respiratory tract infections
- fever associated with a bacterial infection
How MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE Works
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is a combination of Ampicillin and cloxacillin where ampicillin (has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of cell wall mucopeptide biosynthesis during the stage of active multiplication.) Cloxacillin manages bacteria from reproducing, which allows your body to fight only the existing bacteria.
How to use MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE
Take MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE as advised by your physician.
For Tablet, Capsule: Swallow MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
For Dispersible Tablet: Disperse the medicine in the specified quantity of water as mentioned on the label. Consume the medicine immediately after reconstitution.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight and severity of the infection.
Side Effects Of MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE
Common
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhoea
- stomach pain or stomach upset
- skin rash, urticaria, pruritus
Rare
Stop taking MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and mouth causing difficulty in breathing
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea or Vomiting:
Take this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.
Diarrhoea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep you hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own for managing diarrhoea. Contact your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Eat small meals but take them frequently. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
There is no adequate human data on use during pregnancy. However, studies have not identified any risk to pregnancy or embryo-foetal development. Contact your doctor before taking.

Breastfeeding
There is no adequate human data on use during lactation. Contact your doctor before taking.

Driving and Using Machines
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE has no effects on the ability to drive and use machinery. Contact your doctor before taking.

Kidney
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Contact your doctor before taking.

Liver
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Contact your doctor before taking.

Allergy
Do not take MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE if you are allergic to Ampicillin, Cloxacillin or beta-lactam antibiotics (Ex. penicillin, cephalosporins) or other ingredients of this medicine.
Others
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is not recommended for use if you:
- are on a diet that restricts the amount of sodium
- have glandular fever and/or leukaemia
- have jaundice (in children)
Use in pediatrics:
Your doctor will give the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight and disease condition. Consult your doctor before taking MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE.
Use in geriatrics:
MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years above). Contact your doctor before taking.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Inform your physician if you are taking:
- medicines which inhibit the bacteria growth (Ex. chloramphenicol, erythromycin and tetracyclines and sulphonamides)
- medicines used to gout (Ex. probenecid, allopurinol)
- medicines used to manage pregnancy (Ex. oral contraceptives)
- acetylsalicylic acid (medicine used to manage blood clots)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took too much of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Ampicillin, Cloxacillin |
Pharmacological Category | : | Penicillin Antibiotics |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Bacterial infections |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Injection, Syrup, Drops, Dry syrup |
More Information
- Keep out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE
Q: What MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is used for?
A: MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is used to manage respiratory tract infections like bronchopneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, post-operative wound infections, postoperative pulmonary infections, puerperal fever, and other infections such as septicaemia, pelvic infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, gastrointestinal infections, and bone infections like Ex. osteomyelitis, ear, nose, and throat infections.
Q: Can I use MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE for cold?
A: No. MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE does not manage cold or viral infections. It is used to manage bacterial infections. Contact your doctor before taking.
Q: What are the side effects of MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE?
A: The common side effects associated with the use of MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or stomach upset, and skin rash, urticaria, and pruritus.
Q: Is it safe to use MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: There is no adequate human data on use during pregnancy and lactation. However, studies have not identified any risk to pregnancy or embryo-fetal development. Contact your doctor before taking.
Q: Who should not use MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE?
A: MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is not recommended for patients with an allergic history to ampicillin, cloxacillin, or beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins. Consult your doctor before taking.
Q: What precautions must be taken while using MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE?
A: Before taking MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a history of allergic reactions to antibiotics, are on a diet that restricts the amount of sodium, have glandular fever and/or leukemia, malnourishment, low immunity, diabetes, HIV infection, convulsions, blood related disorder, or have jaundice (in children). Consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Does MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE cause liver damage?
A: Yes. MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE may cause liver damage. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eye (jaundice), a change in urine, or a change in stool colour.
Q: How does MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE work?
A: MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE is a combination of ampicillin and cloxacillin, where ampicillin has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of cell wall mucopeptide biosynthesis during the stage of active multiplication. Cloxacillin manages bacteria from reproducing, which allows your body to fight only the existing bacteria.
Q: Can I use MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE with children?
A: Yes. MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE should be used with caution with children. Contact your doctor before taking.
Q: Can I drive while using MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE?
A: MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE has no effects on the ability to drive and use machinery. Contact your doctor before taking.
Q: Can MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE cause allergic reactions?
A: Yes. MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE may cause allergic reactions; consult your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or mouth, causing difficulty breathing.
Q: Can MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE cause diarrhea?
A: Yes, MEGAPEN 500MG CAPSULE may cause diarrhea during or after use. Usually, discontinuation of medicine can subside diarrhea. However, if diarrhea persists or if there is blood in the stool, then immediately consult your doctor.
References
1. Peechakara BV, Basit H, Gupta M. Mechanism of Ampicillin. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. November 2021. [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519569/
2. Maxheal pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.nafdac.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/Files/SMPC/DEC_21/Greenfield-Ampicillin-and-Cloxacillin-Capsules-500mg.pdf
3. MEDREICH LIMITED. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. [Revised on August 2014] [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_NG/PDF/Home/Products/Ampiclox_GA_03.pdf
4. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. [Revised on April 202] [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2904.pdf
5. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. Advacarepharma.com. [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.advacarepharma.com/en/pharmaceuticals/ampicillin-cloxacillin-capsules
6. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. Centurionhealthcare.com. [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.centurionhealthcare.com/product-detail/ampicillin-cloxacillin-capsules
7. Ampicillin and cloxacillin. Mims.com. [Accessed on 23rd May 2022] https://www.mims.com/india/drug/info/ampicillin%20+%20cloxacillin?type=full&mtype=generic#dosage
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete blood count
- Kidney function test
- Liver function test