Does amoxicillin contain pork-derived gelatin in its capsules?

Amoxicillin capsules commonly contain gelatin in the capsule shell, but the specific animal source (pork vs. bovine vs. fish) is not disclosed on standard labels and can vary by manufacturer and product lot. Multiple official amoxicillin capsule labels list “gelatin” among the inactive ingredients, without specifying the source. ^{[1] [2]}

What the labels say

Official U.S. drug labeling for several amoxicillin capsule products lists gelatin in the inactive ingredients. Examples include labels that list “gelatin” along with microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, shellac, and colorants. ^{[3] [4]} In these labels, the term is typically “gelatin” or “gelatin, unspecified,” and no animal origin is provided. ^[5]

• “Inactive Ingredients: gelatin” is shown on amoxicillin capsule entries. This confirms that the capsule shell is gelatin-based for those products. ^{[6] [7]}
• Some listings present “gelatin” alongside titanium dioxide and iron oxides for the capsule shell coloring. Again, no origin is given. ^{[1] [8]}

Is the gelatin pork-derived?

Manufacturers do not routinely state the gelatin’s animal source on consumer or professional labels. Pharmaceutical gelatin is widely produced from animal collagen, most commonly pig skin and cattle hides/bones. ^[9] Fish-derived gelatin exists and is used in some industries, but it is less common for standard prescription capsule shells. ^[9]

Because origin is not specified on the amoxicillin capsule labels, the gelatin could be pork-derived, bovine-derived, or from other animal sources, depending on the supplier used by a given manufacturer and lot. ^[5] Without a manufacturer’s confirmation, the precise source cannot be determined from the label alone. ^[3]

Options if you avoid pork or animal products

• Ask the dispensing pharmacy to check the exact NDC (product code) and contact the manufacturer for the gelatin source. Many companies will clarify whether their current lots use pork or bovine gelatin. Label entries only say “gelatin,” so manufacturer confirmation is the most reliable way to know. ^{[4] [5]}
• Choose non-capsule formulations of amoxicillin, such as tablets or powder for suspension, which may have different excipient profiles and may avoid gelatin shells. Some amoxicillin tablets and suspensions are listed separately from capsules and might not contain gelatin. ^{[10] [11]}
• Discuss alternatives with your prescriber, such as another antibiotic available in tablet or suspension form if amoxicillin capsules are not suitable for your dietary or religious needs. Prescribers can often select a bioequivalent therapy with acceptable excipients. ^[12]

Key takeaways

• Yes, many amoxicillin capsules include gelatin in the shell. ^{[2] [3]}
• Labels do not specify whether the gelatin is from pork, bovine, or fish; origin varies by manufacturer. ^{[5] [1]}
• If you must avoid pork-derived ingredients, verify with the manufacturer or use a formulation that does not rely on a gelatin capsule. ^{[10] [11]}

Would you like me to help identify the exact product you have (by NDC or brand) so we can check the manufacturer’s gelatin source?