Megapen
✅ Broad-spectrum antibiotic
✅ Treats various infections
✅ Safe for children
✅ Quick symptom relief
✅ Easy oral administration
✓ Ιατρικά ελεγμένο από Morgan Ellis — Ερευνητής Φαρμακευτικής · 8 χρόνια εμπειρία · Τελευταία αναθεώρηση: Μάιος 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Megapen?
Megapen is a fixed-dose combination capsule of ampicillin 250 mg + cloxacillin 250 mg (Cipla). Historically used for skin / soft-tissue infections covering both Streptococci and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Modern practice prefers co-amoxiclav (Augmentin) or flucloxacillin alone — use only when those are unavailable. Take 1 hour before food or 2 hours after.
📦 Κάθε παραγγελία καλύπτεται από την Πολιτική Εγγύησης Επαναποστολής — εάν το δέμα σας δεν φτάσει εντός 20 εργάσιμων ημερών, το επαναποστέλλουμε.
Γιατί να παραγγείλετε από τη MedsBase
Τα γενόσημα φάρμακά μας προέρχονται από κατασκευαστές που πιστοποιούνται από την WHO-GMP και αποστέλλονται παγκοσμίως σε διακριτική, απλή συσκευασία — χωρίς όνομα φαρμάκου στο εξωτερικό του δέματος. Οι πληρωμές με κάρτα δρομολογούνται μέσω ρυθμισμένου επεξεργαστή (οι περιγραφές εκκαθάρισης περιλαμβάνουν ρυθμισμένο επεξεργαστή πληρωμών με κάρτα — ποτέ “MedsBase” ή οποιοδήποτε όνομα φαρμάκου). Γίνονται δεκτές και πληρωμές με κρυπτονομίσματα και τραπεζική μεταφορά SEPA. Κάθε παραγγελία καλύπτεται από την Πολιτική Επαναποστολής Εξασφαλίσεώς μας.
How Megapen works
Megapen is a fixed-dose combination of ampicillin (broad-spectrum aminopenicillin) and cloxacillin (anti-staphylococcal penicillinase-resistant penicillin). The combination was historically used to give a single oral capsule covering both Streptococci and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) for skin / soft-tissue and respiratory infections. Modern practice rarely uses this combination because each component is frequently sub-therapeutic at the doses used; co-amoxiclav (Augmentin) or flucloxacillin monotherapy is now preferred. Reserve for empirical short-course outpatient use when those are unavailable.
Indications & dosing
| Ενδείξεις | Τυπική δόση | Διάρκεια |
|---|---|---|
| Skin / soft-tissue infection (mild cellulitis, impetigo) | One capsule (250 mg + 250 mg) four times daily | 5–7 days |
| Mild respiratory tract infection | One capsule four times daily | 7 ημέρες |
| Pre-/post-operative prophylaxis | As advised by surgical team | Per protocol |
Take 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food — both ampicillin and cloxacillin have substantially reduced absorption when taken with meals.
Παρενέργειες
- Gastrointestinal: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia (5–20%). Diarrhoea more common with ampicillin/amp+clox than amoxicillin.
- Hypersensitivity: maculopapular rash (especially with concurrent EBV — characteristic ampicillin rash, not a true allergy), urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis. True IgE-mediated reactions are rare (~0.01% anaphylaxis) but cross-react with all beta-lactams to varying degrees.
- Candidiasis: oral thrush and vulvovaginal candidiasis are common with prolonged courses.
- Clostridioides difficile colitis: watch for new-onset watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever during or up to 8 weeks after treatment.
- Ηπατικές: mild transaminase elevation; cholestatic hepatitis is rare but reported.
- Haematological: rare interstitial nephritis, neutropenia, eosinophilia with prolonged courses.
Contraindications & cautions
- Known IgE-mediated penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis, severe urticaria, angioedema, Stevens–Johnson) — choose a non-beta-lactam class.
- History of cephalosporin- or carbapenem-induced anaphylaxis — variable cross-reactivity.
- Active glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) — high risk of widespread maculopapular rash; choose a different agent if possible.
- Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment.
Αλληλεπιδράσεις φαρμάκων
| Φάρμακο | Αποτέλεσμα | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Μεθοτρεξάτης | Penicillins reduce renal clearance; risk of methotrexate toxicity | Monitor levels; consider holding antibiotic if methotrexate >100 mg/week |
| Combined oral contraceptive | Theoretical reduction in efficacy via gut-flora suppression — modern data show no clinically significant reduction | Counsel on additional barrier method only if breakthrough bleeding occurs |
| Προβενεσίδη | Reduces renal tubular secretion of penicillin; raises serum levels | Sometimes used clinically to extend dosing interval |
| Αλλοπουρινόλη | Increases incidence of penicillin-related rash | No dose change; counsel |
| Βαρφαρίνη | Variable INR effect; case reports of both potentiation and reduction | Check INR 3–5 days into therapy |
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Aminopenicillins are category B (FDA) — extensively used in pregnancy and considered safe across all trimesters. Amoxicillin is the drug of choice for asymptomatic bacteriuria, group B streptococcal prophylaxis, and uncomplicated pyelonephritis in pregnancy. Excretion in breast milk is minimal and considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Αποθήκευση
Store below 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children. Discard any unused tablets after the printed expiry date — degraded antibiotics can lose potency or release breakdown products.
This medicine is only effective against bacterial infections. Do not use it for viral illnesses (common cold, most sore throats, flu, COVID-19), do not stop early when you feel better, and do not save leftovers for future infections. Misuse drives drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA, ESBL, and CRE — the WHO ranks antimicrobial resistance among the top 10 global public-health threats.
Συχνές Ερωτήσεις
Should I take Megapen with food?
Megapen should be taken on an empty stomach: 1 hour before food or 2 hours after. Food can halve absorption of ampicillin and cloxacillin.
How quickly will I feel better?
Most patients with simple respiratory or urinary infections feel meaningfully better within 48–72 hours. If you are no better at 72 hours — or if you are getting worse — seek medical review. A bacterial culture or alternative antibiotic class may be needed.
Μπορώ να πίνω αλκοόλ;
There is no direct interaction between aminopenicillins and alcohol — but heavy drinking weakens immune defences and slows recovery. Light social use is acceptable; avoid binge drinking during the course.
Τι γίνεται αν χάσω μια δόση;
Take it as soon as you remember. If you are within 2 hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose — never double up. Repeated missed doses risk treatment failure and resistance emergence.
Is the rash I developed a true penicillin allergy?
A delayed maculopapular rash 5–10 days into a course is usually a non-IgE reaction and not a true allergy — re-challenge with future penicillins is often safe under clinical guidance. Hives, swelling of face/lips, wheeze or anaphylaxis ARE true allergies — record on your medical notes and avoid all penicillins.
Why not use this for a viral cold or flu?
Aminopenicillins are bactericidal — they only work on bacteria. Using them for viral illnesses provides no clinical benefit and accelerates resistance in your own gut and respiratory flora.
Do I need to take a probiotic alongside?
Saccharomyces boulardii or a multi-strain Lactobacillus product taken several hours apart from the antibiotic may reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhoea risk in adults — evidence strength is moderate. Stop if any GI symptoms.
Can I take this if I am also on methotrexate?
Penicillins can raise methotrexate levels and increase toxicity (mucositis, marrow suppression). Inform your prescriber — methotrexate may need to be held during the antibiotic course or levels checked.
Will it affect my contraceptive pill?
Modern evidence does not support a clinically significant reduction in pill efficacy with most antibiotics including penicillins. Continue your usual pill schedule — but use additional protection if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, which can affect absorption.
What should I do if symptoms have not improved by day 3?
Return for medical review. The cause may be viral, the bacterium may be resistant, or there may be an abscess that requires drainage. Do not simply lengthen the course or escalate the dose without specialist input.
Other Antibiotics & Anti-Infective Medications
- Augmentin (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid) — broader spectrum
- Cetil (Cefuroxime) — second-generation cephalosporin
- Azee (Azithromycin) — penicillin-allergy alternative for respiratory infection
- Cifran (Ciprofloxacin) — fluoroquinolone for UTI / GI
- Doxt (Doxycycline) — atypical pneumonia / STIs
More options in Antibiotics
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| Ισχύς | 250 mg + 250 mg |
|---|---|
| Ποσότητα | 30 Capsule/s, 60 Capsule/s, 90 Capsule/s |
| Φαρμακευτική Μορφή | Καψούλα/ες |
| Κατασκευαστής | Aristo Pharma |
| Θεραπεία | Βακτηριακές λοιμώξεις |
| Γενόσημη μάρκα | Ampicillin + Cloxacillin |
Megapen
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