Can you take amoxicillin on an empty stomach?

In this article:

• Can you take amoxicillin on an empty stomach?
• What is the best way to take amoxicillin?
• The bottom line

In this article

• Can you take amoxicillin on an empty stomach?
• What is the best way to take amoxicillin?
• The bottom line

Amoxicillin, available as capsules or tablets, is a penicillin antibiotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and infections in the nose, ears, throat, urinary tract, and skin in children and adults. The recommended dosage of amoxicillin for adults is 750 to 3,000 milligrams per day (mg/d) divided every eight to 12 hours. 

According to Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a double board-certified physician specializing in family and obesity medicine and medical contributor for Drugwatch of Cybele, New York, amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. However, taking amoxicillin with food may reduce the risk of side effects. 

Can you take amoxicillin on an empty stomach?

Taking amoxicillin without food is okay, but Dr. Stanford says that doing this may cause the following common side effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some other less common side effects of oral amoxicillin use may include:

• Vaginal or genital itching
• Thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor

While some relatively rare side effects may include:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Swollen lymph glands
• Vomiting of blood

Long-term use of amoxicillin may pose health concerns, but they aren’t related to whether or not you take the medication on an empty stomach.

“Amoxicillin can cause Clostridium difficile colitis, which may cause long-term damage to the intestinal mucosa,” Dr. Stanford explains. Clostridium difficile colitis, or Colitis C. diff, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause inflammation in your colon—which is known as colitis.

Other serious but relatively rare side effects of long-term amoxicillin use include:

• Asthma
• Dark urine or difficulty urinating
• Bruising
• Abnormal bleeding
• Jaundice
• Liver damage
• Flu-like symptoms
• Open sores from exposed blisters

Many side effects of amoxicillin may not require medical attention as they may go away on their own as you adjust to treatment. However, if symptoms persist and affect your ability to complete daily activities, please contact your healthcare provider for immediate medical attention. 

What is the best way to take amoxicillin?

Although it is safe to take amoxicillin on an empty stomach, Dr. Stanford recommends that you take the medication with a full glass of water to prevent irritation of the esophagus as the pill travels to the stomach (called “pill esophagitis”). 

Here are some other tips for taking this penicillin-type antibiotic: 

• Avoid taking it with certain medications: Amoxicillin can interact with anticoagulants, antigout medications, antibacterials, and birth control pills. Notify your healthcare provider of any other medications you’re currently taking before starting amoxicillin.
• Stay consistent with dosages: It’s best that you take amoxicillin at the same times each day. “To make sure that this drug works, there should be consistency in timing and adherence to the recommended dosage,” says Michael O. McKinney, MD, a family medicine specialist at Healthy Outlook based in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol and antibiotics like amoxicillin can cause the same side effects, such as stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. However, mixing the two can worsen these side effects. 
• Don’t stop medication without approval from your pharmacist or healthcare provider: Even if you start to feel better, Dr. McKinney advises against stopping amoxicillin. “Abrupt stoppage can breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” he says.
• Eat certain foods to reduce symptoms: Consider adjusting your diet to prevent side effects from amoxicillin. “Probiotics like yogurt or kefir ensure healthy gut flora, thereby reducing gastrointestinal side effects,” Dr. McKinney says. Probiotics are live bacteria found in fermented foods and dietary supplements that can support your digestive system. He also recommends the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, to help calm your stomach. 

If you have any questions about how to take amoxicillin, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice.

The bottom line

You can take the FDA-approved medication amoxicillin on an empty stomach if you choose. However, it is better to take it with meals to prevent unwanted gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Some ways to lower your risk of side effects include taking pills with water, not mixing the medication with alcohol, and eating foods rich in probiotics. If your symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider to see if the dose needs to be adjusted or if you need to switch medications.