Amoxicillin and Broccoli: Is This Combination Safe?

You can generally take amoxicillin with broccoli without worrying about reduced absorption or loss of effectiveness. Clinical pharmacokinetic studies show that amoxicillin is reliably absorbed whether taken with or without food, unlike some related antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin) that can be affected by meals. ^[1] Product labeling indicates amoxicillin is stable in stomach acid and rapidly absorbed, and available strengths have been studied around light meals without demonstrating a clinically relevant food effect. ^{[2] [3]}

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What We Know About Food Effects on Amoxicillin

• Reliable absorption fed or fasted: In a crossover study of healthy subjects given 500 mg amoxicillin, peak blood levels and total exposure were essentially the same whether taken fasting or non‑fasting. ^[1]
• Label information: Official prescribing information notes amoxicillin is stable in gastric acid and rapidly absorbed, and the 400 mg and 875 mg formulations were evaluated at the start of a light meal without indicating a clinically important reduction. ^{[2] [3]}
• Comparison to ampicillin: Ampicillin’s absorption does decrease with food, but this effect was not seen with amoxicillin in the same study. ^[1]

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Does Broccoli (a Cruciferous Vegetable) Interfere?

Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and contains fiber, vitamins (including vitamin K), and phytochemicals. There is no evidence that broccoli specifically reduces amoxicillin absorption or effectiveness when eaten with the antibiotic. ^{[1] [2]}

Cruciferous vegetables can influence certain drug‑metabolizing enzymes and transporters, but clinically significant interactions are best established with drugs like warfarin (a blood thinner), not with amoxicillin. ^[4] For warfarin, high or variable intake of vitamin K–rich foods (including broccoli) can lower anticoagulant effect, requiring consistent intake and monitoring; this does not apply to amoxicillin. ^{[5] [6]}

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Practical Tips for Taking Amoxicillin

• With or without food: You may take amoxicillin with meals like broccoli to reduce stomach upset; absorption is expected to remain adequate. ^{[1] [2]}
• Stay hydrated: Adequate fluids support distribution and renal elimination; labeling emphasizes rapid absorption and widespread tissue penetration. ^[2]
• Consistent dosing: Take doses evenly spaced as prescribed to maintain effective blood levels. ^[2]

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When Might Food Matter?

Although amoxicillin’s absorption is robust, very high‑fiber meals may theoretically slow gastric emptying, but this has not been shown to cause clinically important reductions for amoxicillin in human studies. ^[1] Formal “food‑effect” studies aren’t available for every single strength and formulation, but available data and labeling do not warn against routine meals. ^{[2] [3]}

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Special Case: Amoxicillin–Clavulanate

If you are prescribed amoxicillin–clavulanate (often written as “co‑amoxiclav” or “Augmentin”), food does not reduce absorption and can lessen stomach upset, so taking it at the start of a meal is commonly recommended. ^[7]

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Bottom Line

• Broccoli does not appear to interfere with amoxicillin’s absorption or effectiveness, and you can safely eat it with your antibiotic. ^{[1] [2]}
• Food may help tolerability, and the medicine remains effective with typical meals. ^{[1] [3]}
• Be aware of different interactions for other medications (like warfarin), but these do not apply to amoxicillin. ^{[5] [6]}

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Quick Reference Table

Topic	Evidence Summary	Key Sources
Amoxicillin absorption with food	No meaningful difference in peak levels or exposure fed vs. fasted	[1]
Labeling on food effect	Stable in acid; rapid absorption; formulations studied at start of light meal	[2] [3]
Broccoli interaction	No data showing reduced amoxicillin absorption or efficacy	[1] [2]
Warfarin and cruciferous vegetables	Vitamin K can lower warfarin effect; maintain consistent intake	[5] [6]
Amoxicillin–clavulanate with food	Absorption not affected; food can reduce GI side effects	[7]

If you’d like help tailoring advice to your specific prescription or any stomach symptoms you’re experiencing, I can guide you are you taking plain amoxicillin or amoxicillin–clavulanate?