Experiencing Discomfort After the Third Dose of Amoxicillin (500mg): Is It Common?
I’m a 19-year-old weighing 170 pounds and have been prescribed amoxicillin for strep throat. I’ve noticed that after taking the first pill, I generally feel okay, and I feel even better after the second dose. However, I encounter significant discomfort after taking the third one. Can anyone explain why this might be happening? I’m not keen on reducing my dosage to just two pills, as I want to avoid any health risks.
Answers (1)
8/19/2025, 10:30:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's not uncommon to experience some side effects or discomfort when taking antibiotics like amoxicillin, especially as the treatment progresses. Your symptoms after the third dose might be related to several factors, including the way your body is responding to the medication or the impact of antibiotics on your digestive system.
Explanation
Amoxicillin can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea, particularly if taken on an empty stomach or if your body is adjusting to the medication. Feeling better after the first two doses is a positive sign that the medication is working to treat your strep throat, but discomfort may occur as your body processes the drug. Additionally, the total amount of the antibiotic in your system rises with each dose, which can influence how you feel.
Next Steps
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Hydration: Ensure you drink plenty of fluids to help minimize any discomfort and combat potential dehydration from symptoms like diarrhea.
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Take with Food: If you're not already doing so, consider taking your amoxicillin with food. This can help soothe your stomach and make the side effects more manageable.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of the discomfort you experience after each dose. If it’s consistent and troubling, you may need to evaluate your response to the medication over the next 24-48 hours.
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Probiotics: Consider taking a probiotic supplement or consuming probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt) to support your gut health, which may help counteract some digestive side effects.
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Rest: Make sure you’re getting enough rest, as your body is fighting an infection and needs time to heal.
If the discomfort becomes severe or persists, monitoring your symptoms closely and adjusting how you take the medication is wise. You can reconsider discussing this with your healthcare provider if the issue continues; they may have specific options that can help you manage your treatment effectively while minimizing discomfort.
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