Megapen Capsule

Megapen capsule contains ampicillin and cloxacillin as their active ingredients. It is an antibiotic further classified into the 'Penicillin' class of antibiotics. Megapen capsule is used to treat bacterial infection of the lungs, throat, airways, skin, soft tissues, bone, ear, nose and wounds after surgery caused due to organisms.

The medicine inhibits the growth and kills the infection-causing bacteria. Take Megapen 500 as prescribed by your doctor for the exact prescribed duration. Do not stop taking the medicine, even if you feel better as incomplete treatment may result in treatment failure and the infection might reoccur.

Dosage

Overdose

An overdose of Megapen capsule may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. If you think you have taken too much of the medicine than prescribed, inform the doctor or reach out to the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed taking a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with a regular dose schedule. Avoid taking a double dose of the medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Megapen capsule inhibits the formation of the outer membrane of bacteria and kills the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Directions for Use

Megapen capsule must be taken as a whole with a glass of water at a fixed time to gain optimal benefit. It must not be broken, crushed or chewed.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Megapen capsule during pregnancy?

The effect of Megapen capsule in pregnant women is not known. It must be used if prescribed by the doctor after considering it to be essential and safe. Inform the doctor about pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Megapen capsule while breastfeeding?

Megapen capsule passes into breastmilk and causes side effects like diarrhoea and fungal infection of mouth in a breastfed baby. Avoid breastfeeding when you are taking the medicine.

Driving

Can I drive after consuming Megapen capsule?

Megapen capsule does not affect the ability to drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol while taking Megapen capsule?

Consuming alcohol causes symptoms related to the stomach like nausea and vomiting. Avoid drinking.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have an allergy to Penicillins.
• You suffer from allergic reactions and skin rashes after taking the medicine.
• You suffer from watery diarrhoea or severe stomach pain, immediately stop the medicine and consult the doctor.
• You develop infections while taking the medicine.
• You have kidney problems.
• You must not give the medicine to newborn babies suffering from jaundice.
• It is advised to complete the course and not skip a dose even if you feel better.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Ampicillin, Cloxacillin or other ingredients of Megapen capsule.
• If you are allergic to antibiotics like Cefixime, Cefpodoxime, Amoxicillin.
• Megapen capsule must never be used for eye infections and eye contact must be avoided.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin allergies with itching, rashes, red bumps and blister

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines affect the way Megapen-500 mg capsule or Megapen-500 mg capsule itself reduces the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Inform the physician about the medicines, supplements or herbals you are taking or might take to avoid possible interaction.
• You suffer from skin allergies if you are taking medications like Allopurinol along with the medicine.
• Antibiotics like Chloramphenicol, Azithromycin, Sulphonamides, Doxycycline interfere with the way the medicine works.
• The medicine affects how oral contraceptive medication works. Thus, it is advised to use physical contraceptive measures like condoms.
• Other medicines like Probenecid, Sulfasalazine and Aspirin.

Storage and disposal

• Store at a dry place at or below 25°C.
• Keep it away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I need to continue taking Megapen capsule?

You are supposed to complete the prescribed dosage given by the physician. If you skip the dose or do not complete the course, it may cause resistance and decrease the effectiveness of treatment.

Can I take Megapen 500 for cold and flu as well?

No, Megapen is not for treating cold and flu. This is specific for bacterial infections, while cold and flu are caused by viruses. Taking the medicine in such conditions may lead to antibiotic resistance.

Megapen capsule causes diarrhoea on use?

Yes, the use of Megapen capsule causes diarrhoea along with the desired effect. Not everyone gets them. It is an antibiotic that kills good and bad bacteria when good bacteria present in the intestine gets killed it causes diarrhoea. If you suffer from severe diarrhoea, talk to the doctor about it.

Is it important to take Megapen capsule with food?

Megapen capsule must be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. It enhances the absorption of the medicine. Consuming the medicine on empty stomach results in stomach upset.

Is Megapen 500 an antibiotic?

Yes, Megapin 500 is an antibiotic that contains composition of ampicillin and cloxacillin as their active ingredients.

Can Megapin 500 be given to children?

You should give this medicine to children only if it is prescribed by the doctor in exact dose and duration. Do not self-prescribe.

When should I take the Megapen?

You can take the Megapen at any time of the day, either without or with food, as advised by the doctor. But if you experience stomach upset, then taking it with food may help.

Is Megapen a steroid?

No, Megapen is not a steroid. It contains ampicillin and cloxacillin as their active ingredients, which is an antibiotic further classified into the 'Penicillin' class of antibiotics.

What is the use of Megapen 500 capsule?

Megapen capsules are used to treat bacterial infections of lungs, throat, airways, skin and soft tissue, bone, ear, nose, blood and other bacterial infections. It is also used to treat infection of wounds and lungs after surgery.

How long does it take for Megapen 500 capsule to show its effects?

Megapen 500 can start showing its effects approximately after 1 hour of its consumption. As it is an antibiotic medicine, the complete effects towards infection could be seen after you complete the course of antibiotic treatment. However, the effect may vary in each individual based on the severity of the infection.