Novamox Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Novamox Capsule contains amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic (aminopenicillin), used to treat a range of bacterial infections. It works by interfering with bacterial cell wall formation, causing the bacteria to break apart and die. Novamox does not work against infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold.

What is Novamox Capsule

Novamox is an antibiotic capsule containing amoxicillin. It belongs to the penicillin family of medicines and is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It does not work against infections caused by viruses.

Novamox Capsule uses

• Bacterial infections of the throat, ear, nose, and upper respiratory tract
• Lung infections and lower respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Sinusitis and tonsillitis
• Bronchitis and pneumonia
• Dental abscess
• Gonorrhoea
• Stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori (used with other medicines)
• Typhoid fever
• Prevention of infections before dental, oral, or upper respiratory tract procedures and prevention of heart infection (bacterial endocarditis) in at-risk patients

Benefits of Novamox Capsule

• Stops the growth of bacteria
• Kills bacteria causing the infection
• Helps clear up the infection

How Novamox Capsule works

Novamox works by interfering with the way bacteria build their cell wall. Without a proper cell wall, the bacteria break apart and die, which helps clear the infection. It does not work against viruses like the common cold.

Novamox Capsule dosage

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water; do not chew, break, or crush it. It can be taken with or without food, though absorption may be better when taken between meals. Try to take it at the same time each day and space doses evenly as directed by your doctor. Finish the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better; do not stop early. Do not share your medicine with others, even if their symptoms seem similar.

If using the liquid suspension, shake well before use and measure the dose with the syringe provided by your pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not double up doses.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Chewable tablet
• Dispersible tablet
• Dry syrup
• Oral drops
• Injection

Side effects of Novamox Capsule

Common

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Headache
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Change in taste
• Loss of appetite
• Tooth discolouration in children (brown, yellow, or gray staining)
• Black hairy tongue
• Anxiety

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, hives, fainting
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or skin peeling and blistering
• Angioedema (painful swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet)
• Severe or bloody diarrhea (possible sign of bowel inflammation/Clostridium difficile colitis)
• Kidney problems: cloudy or bloody urine, reduced urination
• Liver problems: persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine
• Convulsions or seizures
• Blood disorders: unusual bruising or bleeding, signs of infection like fever and sore throat, pale skin and fatigue
• Kounis syndrome (allergic reaction affecting the heart): chest pain, palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath

Warnings and precautions

• Some people have had serious, sometimes fatal, allergic reactions to penicillin antibiotics like this one, including severe skin reactions. Tell your doctor if you've ever had an allergic reaction to penicillins or similar antibiotics before starting treatment.
• Do not take this medicine if you have, or might have, mononucleosis (glandular fever), as it can cause a widespread skin rash in these patients.
• This medicine can sometimes cause severe diarrhea due to a serious bowel infection. Contact your doctor if you get watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after finishing the medicine.
• Using this antibiotic when it isn't needed, or not finishing the full course, can make bacteria resistant to it, meaning it may not work for you in the future.
• This medicine can cause severe skin reactions that can also affect other organs.
• Novamox has not been fully proven safe in pregnancy. Some sources say it is generally safe, others say to use it only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed, weighing benefits against possible risks to the baby.
• Amoxicillin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
• People with kidney problems may need a lower dose because the drug is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose and monitor your kidney function.
• Amoxicillin can rarely affect the liver. Your doctor may check your liver function during long-term treatment, and you should watch for signs like yellowing skin or dark urine.
• The effect of alcohol with this medicine is not well established. It's best to ask your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
• This medicine does not usually cause drowsiness, but it can sometimes cause dizziness or confusion. If this happens, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal again.

Storage

• Store capsules and tablets between 15°C and 30°C
• Protect from light
• Store granules for oral suspension at room temperature (15°C to 30°C) and keep the bottle tightly closed
• Once mixed, the oral suspension lasts for 14 days at room temperature (15°C to 30°C)
• Do not use after the expiry date; return expired medicines to your pharmacist
• Keep out of reach and sight of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, hives, or skin peeling/blistering
• Stop the medicine and get medical help immediately if you notice signs of kidney problems, such as cloudy or bloody urine, reduced urination, or swelling
• Stop the medicine and get medical help immediately if you have signs of liver problems, such as persistent nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Get medical help right away if you have severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea, as this could be a sign of a serious bowel condition
• Seek immediate medical help if you have uncontrollable shaking or seizures, with or without loss of consciousness
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or your local poison control center right away, even if you don't have symptoms

Alternatives

• Amoxicillin + Clavulanate
• Cefuroxime
• Cephalexin
• Clarithromycin