What is Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)?
Augmentin contains a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Augmentin comes in 375 mg, 625 mg and 1000 mg strengh pills
Augmentin is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. These include pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and infections of the skin among others.
Recommendations for use of Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Augmentin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections
Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
Ear infections such as otitis media
Strep throat
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
sinus infections
Skin and soft tissue infections such as Cellulitis
Tonsillitis
dental infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Animal bites and cat scratches
It is also used for tuberculosis that is resistant to other treatments.
Further it may also be used for many other infections or disease that are not listed above.
Dosage and direction of taking Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If in Syrup form
Before each use shake the bottle very well. You need to measure the dose using a special medicine spoon. Household spoons should not be used as you might not get the correct dose.
If in Tablet form
Take Augmentin tablet orally as prescribed by your doctor with a full glass
Take Augmentin with food or as directed by the doctor. Taking it with a meal may reduce stomach upset and help your body absorb the drug better.
This medication is usually prescribed 8 hourly or 12 hourly. Your medical condition and response to the medication will determine the dosage of Augmentin.
Swallow the whole tablet without chewing or splitting or crushing it.
Your doctor will work out the dosage for you based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment and other medications that you are taking.
Always try to take Augmentin at evenly paced times.
Take Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
If you missed a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose then skip the missed dose and take the regular dose. Should never double the dose in order to make up for the missed dose.
This is an antibiotic which needs to complete the fully prescribed amount, even if the symptoms improve after a few doses. The bacteria may continue to grow if you stop the medication early resulting in a return of the infection.
Take Augmentin exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Typically the dosage may last between 7 - 14 days depending on the type of infection.
Increase your fluids when you are taking Augmentin unless your doctor advices otherwise.
Missed Dose of Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
decreased urination
stomach pain
skin rash
drowsiness
hyperactivity
How does Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) work?
Augmentin is a penicillin-type antibiotic which contains two active components which are amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The clavulanic acid ingredient makes Augmentin more effective against bacteria than amoxicillin or other penicillin drugs which may not work against bacteria when taken by themselves.
Augmentin kills bacteria by attaching to proteins within the bacteria cell. This action prevents the bacteria from building a cell wall, which results in the death of the bacteria.
Augmentin is considered as a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means it works against many different types of bacteria.
Precautions before taking Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Augmentin or to any other penicillin antibiotic, such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin and others.
Before using Augmentin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporins such as such as Amoxil, Ceftin, Cefzil, Moxatag, Omnicef, and others.
You SHOULD NOT TAKE Augmentin, if you:
have any allergies to penicillin or to other cephalosporin
have severe kidney disease or if you are currently on dialysis
you have had liver problems or jaundice while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you:
have kidney disease
have asthma
have infectious mononucleosis
have hives
have hay fever
have liver disease
have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants such as warfarin, metformin and probenecid.
While you are taking Augmentin do not take any live bacterial immunizations (such as typhoid vaccine) as it may not work well unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products that you use (prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, protein shakes, herbal products, vitamin supplements) before having surgery.
Augmentin can obstruct the effects of birth control pills by making them less effective. Seek advice from your doctor on non-hormone birth control methods such as spermicide, condom or diaphragm when using Augmentin.
Augmentin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Augmentin may contain aspartame. Ask your doctor about using this medication safely if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit or aspartame in your diet.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Augmentin together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Augmentin may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Common Augmentin side effects may include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
rash or itching
vaginal itching or discharge
diaper rash
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid).
Prolonged use of Augmentin may cause oral thrush or virginal yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth, a vaginal discharge contact your doctor immediately.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects mentioned below.
Dark urine
little or no urination
Persistent sore throat
Fever
Yellowing of eyes and skin
Persistent nausea
Easily bruising or bleeding
Stomach or abdominal pain
Serious allergic reaction
Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to Augmentin.
In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and can take the form of:
a raised, itchy skin rash
coughing
wheezing
Mild allergic reactions can usually be successfully treated by taking antihistamines.
In rare cases, Augmentin can cause a serious allergic reaction which displays as hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat and severe skin reactions which will displays fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Side effects from Augmentin: Taking Augmentin with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from Augmentin. This is because the amount of Augmentin in your body is increased. An example of these drugs is probenecid.
Taking metformin and Augmentin together may cause kidney problems. Your doctor may adjust your dose of metformin to reduce this risk.
Some of the medications that may have major interact with Augmentin is
Methotrexate
bcg
cholera vaccine, live
typhoid vaccine, live
Other medicine that may interact with Augmentin is
Blood thinners such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
gout medicines called probenecid and allopurinol
other antibiotics
Inform your doctor of all the medicine that you are taking at the moment.
Some of the Disease interactions are:
Gastrointestinal diseases, particularly Colitis - Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening
hepatotoxicity
Renal dysfunction
Mononucleosis
Hemodialysis
Diabetes
PKU
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Augmentin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Augmentin tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away tablets that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Store the liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Augmentin should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Augmentin (Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
Formula: Augmentin | C24H27KN4O10S
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