Ultramox 500 is a South African brand of amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, dispensed as 500 mg capsules. It treats bacterial infections — chest, ear, throat, sinus, dental and skin infections, and some urinary infections. It does nothing for flu or colds, which are viral, and the course should be finished as directed.

What is Ultramox?

Ultramox contains amoxicillin 500 mg as amoxicillin trihydrate, according to its South African approved package insert. The capsules are pink and burgundy, overprinted “ULTRAMOX 500”, and it is manufactured by Oethmaan Biosims.

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the penicillin family. It works by blocking the enzymes bacteria use to build and repair their cell wall. Without an intact wall the bacterium loses its structure and breaks apart. Human cells have no cell wall, which is why the medicine attacks bacteria without harming you — and why it has no effect at all on viruses.

Ultramox is a Schedule 4 medicine, so prescription-only. The same active ingredient is dispensed in South Africa as Betamox, Moxymax, Indo Amoxycillin, Austell Amoxicillin and plain amoxicillin. Being given one when a prescription named another is ordinary generic substitution.

What is Ultramox commonly used for?

Ultramox is prescribed for bacterial infections, including:

Chest infections, including some pneumonia and bronchitis.
Ear infections, particularly in children.
Throat and tonsil infections with a bacterial cause.
Sinus infections that are bacterial and not settling.
Dental infections and abscesses, often alongside metronidazole.
Skin and soft tissue infections.
Some urinary tract infections.

Search interest around this product runs to specific questions, and several deserve direct answers.

“Used for flu” — no. Flu and colds are viral, and no antibiotic touches them.

“Used for pain” — no. Amoxicillin is not a painkiller. It treats the infection causing the pain, which is why a dental abscess often needs both an antibiotic and something for the pain, and why the dental work still has to happen.

“Used for urinary tract infection” — sometimes, but often not the first choice. Resistance among urinary organisms to amoxicillin is common in South Africa, so prescribers frequently select something else based on local patterns or a urine culture.

“Used for STI” — amoxicillin is not a standard treatment for most sexually transmitted infections. Those follow specific protocols with different antibiotics, and partner treatment and follow-up testing are usually part of the plan. See a clinic rather than self-treating.

How Ultramox fits into this medicine category

Ultramox sits in the penicillin class, generally the first choice where it covers the likely organism.

Macrolides such as azithromycin cover chest and throat infections and some STIs, and are an option in penicillin allergy. Quinolones such as ciprofloxacin cover urinary and some gut infections. Tetracyclines such as doxycycline cover chest, skin and some STIs. Nitroimidazoles such as metronidazole cover anaerobic and parasitic infections penicillins miss — which is why dental abscesses often need two medicines.

Antifungals such as fluconazole treat fungal infections, which no antibacterial will touch.

The whole class is on the antibiotics, antifungals and antimicrobials hub.

What to check before using Ultramox

Check for penicillin allergy. This is the most important check with any penicillin. If you have ever reacted to penicillin or a related antibiotic, tell the prescriber and pharmacist before taking it.

Also tell them if:

You have glandular fever, or symptoms suggesting it — amoxicillin commonly causes a widespread rash in that illness.
You have kidney disease.
You have had antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, particularly C. difficile.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Amoxicillin is commonly used in both, but confirm with your clinician — this is a frequent question about this product specifically.
You take warfarin, methotrexate or allopurinol.
The medicine is for a child. Dosing is by weight and age; a suspension exists for this.

Take the full course, spacing doses as directed. Follow the dispensing label; this page does not set doses.

Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor

Finish the course, even after you feel better. Stopping early leaves the hardier bacteria behind, which is how resistance develops.

Do not save leftovers or take someone else’s.

Expect some digestive upset. Nausea and loose stools are common. Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially with fever, abdominal pain or blood, needs medical attention rather than an over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal.

Thrush is a common consequence, particularly in women, because the antibiotic disturbs normal bacterial balance. A pharmacist can advise.

A rash needs assessment — it may be a mild reaction, a true allergy, or a sign of glandular fever.

Vomiting or diarrhoea can reduce absorption of the contraceptive pill. Ask your pharmacist whether extra precautions apply.

Seek urgent medical attention for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, a widespread or blistering rash, or severe diarrhoea. Go back to the prescriber if symptoms worsen after two or three days on treatment.

Related medicine guides

Frequently asked questions

What is Ultramox 500 used for? Bacterial infections — chest, ear, throat, sinus, dental and skin infections, and some urinary infections. It contains amoxicillin 500 mg.

Is Ultramox used for flu? No. Flu and colds are viral, and antibiotics have no effect on them.

Can I take Ultramox in pregnancy? Amoxicillin is commonly used during pregnancy, but the decision belongs with your doctor or pharmacist, who knows your circumstances.

Is it a painkiller? No. It treats infection. Pain from a dental abscess needs both treatment of the infection and something for the pain, plus the dental work itself.

Will it treat a urinary tract infection? Sometimes, but resistance is common among urinary organisms, so another antibiotic is often chosen instead.

Is Ultramox the same as Betamox? Both are South African brands of amoxicillin. The active ingredient is the same; the manufacturer and strength presentation differ.

What Is Ultramox Used For?