Ampiclox is one of the most recognised antibiotic brand names in Nigeria. Walk into almost any pharmacy or patent medicine store, and you will find it on the shelf.
Nigerians use it for everything from chest infections to wound care to sexually transmitted infections.
But in September 2025, NAFDAC operatives discovered something alarming in a Lagos warehouse – 277 cartons of counterfeit Ampiclox capsules worth over ₦1.2 billion, hidden alongside bicycle parts and tyres and ready for distribution into Nigerian markets.
That single raid revealed just how widespread the problem of fake Ampiclox is. Here is what you need to know and how to verify that yours is genuine.
What Is Ampiclox?
Ampiclox is a brand name for a fixed-dose combination of Ampicillin and Cloxacillin — two penicillin-type antibiotics that work together to fight a broader range of bacterial infections than either drug alone.
It is used to treat:
Respiratory tract infections
Skin and soft tissue infections
Ear, nose, and throat infections
Urinary tract infections
Post-surgical infections
The original Ampiclox brand is manufactured by Beecham (now part of GlaxoSmithKline).
However, many generic versions are also sold under the same name by different manufacturers, which makes verification even more important.
The NAFDAC Numbers for Ampiclox
Because multiple manufacturers produce Ampicillin/Cloxacillin combinations in Nigeria, there are several registered NAFDAC numbers for products in this class. The most recognised include the following:
Ampiclox Capsules 250mg/250mg: verify at VerifyProduct.ng for the exact registered number for your brand
Betaclox Capsules: (Ampicillin + Cloxacillin) NAFDAC raised a separate alert on falsified Betaclox in Nigeria in 2025
The key action is to check whatever NAFDAC number appears on your specific pack against our database before buying.
How to Verify Your Ampiclox
Step 1: Look for the NAFDAC number on the pack
It will be printed on the label of the bottle, the foil blister pack, or the outer carton. Do not buy Ampiclox that has no NAFDAC number displayed.
Step 2: Search the number on VerifyProduct.ng
Type in the NAFDAC number from your pack. The result should match the product name and manufacturer exactly. If the number returns a different product or shows no result, do not take the drug.
Step 3: Inspect the capsules
Genuine Ampiclox capsules are:
Uniform in size and colour
Sealed tightly in foil blisters or a sealed bottle
Free from powder leakage or unusual smell
Accompanied by a printed batch number and expiry date
Step 4: Use NAFDAC's SMS service
If your Ampiclox pack has a scratch panel with a hidden code, scratch it and text the code to 38353. This is NAFDAC's mobile authentication service and will confirm whether your product is genuine.
Signs That Your Ampiclox May Be Fake
Be very careful if:
The NAFDAC number is missing, smudged, or looks different from what VerifyProduct.ng shows
The capsules vary in size or have unusual colour differences
The pack has spelling errors in the product description or the manufacturer's name
There is no expiry date or batch number
The price is suspiciously low — if it is significantly cheaper than what pharmacies normally charge, it is likely fake
The seller cannot confirm the source of the product
What Happened With the Lagos Raid
In September 2025, NAFDAC operatives raided a warehouse in Lagos and found 277 cartons of fake Ampiclox and Amoxicillin capsules valued at over ₦1.2 billion.
The counterfeit drugs had been concealed among legitimate-looking goods and were ready for distribution across Nigerian markets.
This is not an isolated incident. NAFDAC destroyed over ₦120 billion worth of fake drugs and unwholesome products between July and December 2024 alone. The scale of the problem is enormous.
Where to Buy Ampiclox Safely
Always buy from a licensed pharmacy. Look for the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) licence displayed in the store
Avoid buying from open markets, roadside sellers, or social media vendors
If you are in a rural area and access to a licensed pharmacy is limited, at a minimum, verify the NAFDAC number on any drug you buy before taking it
What to Do If Your Ampiclox Is Fake
Stop taking it immediately
Keep the packaging as evidence
Report the seller to NAFDAC by calling 0800-162-3322 or emailing
Use the Report Fake feature on VerifyProduct.ng
Seek a replacement from a licensed source
Conclusion
Ampiclox is a widely trusted antibiotic, and that trust is what makes it a target for counterfeiters. The fake version looks almost identical to the genuine product but contains little to no active ingredient.
Before you buy Ampiclox, take 60 seconds to verify the NAFDAC number on VerifyProduct.ng. It is free, it is instant, and it could save your life.