Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate)
Augmentin is an antibacterial drug which is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate (potassium salt of clavulanic acid) which is a beta lactamase inhibitor.
Amoxicillin is a potent antibiotic medication which falls under the group of medications known as penicillin. It is an analog of ampicillin. It helps is fighting the bacteria in body.
Clavulanate potassium, which is a kind of clavulanic acid, is similar to penicillin. It helps in fighting the bacteria that are resistant to penicillin as well as to other antibiotics.
The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate i.e. Augmentin is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections like sinusitis, ear infection, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin infections and urinary tract infections.
Indications of Augmentin
Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) is used in arresting the inculcation of drug resistant bacteria. It must be used in the strongly suspected or proven infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) can be used in the treatment of:
- Lower respiratory tract infections caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae
- Sinusitis caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of M. catarrhalis and H. influenzae
- Acute Bacterial Otitis Media caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of M. Catarrhalis and H. Influenza
- Urinary Tract Infections caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species and E. coli
- Skin And Skin Structure Infections caused by beta lactamase– producing isolated of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus as well as Klebsiella species
Side- effects of Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate)
Serious side- effects caused by Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate):
- Allergic reaction to Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) can manifest as swelling on throat, tongue, lips and face, difficulty in breathing and hives or rashes. You must get an emergency help if you see any of the above- mentioned signs.
- Yellow or pale skin
- Dark- colored urine
- Diarrhea which is bloody or watery
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Muscle weakness
- Skin rash
- Severe tingling
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Unusual behaviour or thoughts
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Upper stomach pain
- Dark urine
- Yellowing of eye or skin
- Clay- colored stools
- Severe skin reaction manifesting as fever, skin pain, swelling on face or tongue, sore throat, burning in eyes, pain in skin followed by purple or red skin rashes particularly on upper body causing blistering as well as peeling
Less serious side- effects of Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) include:
- Stomach pain
- Mild diarrhea
- Skin rashes or itching on skin
- White patches in mouth or throat
- Vaginal yeast infection causing discharge or itching
How to take Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate)?
You must take Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) as advised by your doctor. Do not take the medication in smaller or larger dose. Take it with a glass full of water at the start of the meal to keep stomach upset at bay. Take it same day every time.
Augmentin must be prescribed by a doctor to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Augmentin may be prescribed to treat other medical conditions as determined by a doctor.
Augmentin is not suitable to treat viral infections such as the common cold. Augmentin is formulated as tablets in strengths of 250mg, 500mg, and 875mg. Augmentin is also available in chewable tablets and an oral suspension.
Always use Augmentin exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Augmentin should be taken before meals.
ADULTS: The usual dose is one 500mg tablet every 12 hours, or one 250mg tablet taken every eight hours. Severe infections may require an increased dose of one 875mg tablet every 12 hours or one 500mg tablet taken every eight hours. Patients with impaired renal function should not take the 875mg dosage.
CHILDREN: The dosage for children weighing more than 40kg is the same as adults.
Never discontinue treatment with Augmentin suddenly – this may result in the bacteria surviving and becoming immune to Augmentin and other medications.
The chewable tablets should be properly chewed before swallowing.
If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
Do not use Augmentin if you are allergic to penicillin or any other ingredient in Augmentin.
Patients with a history of liver or kidney disease should use Augmentin with caution.
Women who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, should discuss the risks of using Augmentin with their doctor. Do not breast-feed while using Augmentin.
Augmentin can reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. While using Augmentin, it is recommended that a non-hormonal form of birth control also be used.
The chewable tablets and oral suspension forms of Augmentin contain phenylalanine, therefore patients with phenylketonuria should discuss the risks of using these forms of Augmentin with a doctor.
Call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following allergic symptoms occur: difficulty in breathing, hives, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat.
Stop using Augmentin if any of the following serious side-effects occur: bloody or watery diarrhea, jaundice, fever, dark urine, confusion, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, skin rash, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, behavioral changes, seizures, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, low fever, clay colored stools, severe headaches, flu-like symptoms, or skin problems.
Less serious side-effects may include gas, mild diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, itching, headaches, white patches in the mouth or throat, or vaginal yeast infection.
Augmentin may cause other side-effects. If you experience any other uncomfortable symptoms that persist, contact your doctor.
If overdose is suspected, call for emergency assistance immediately. Symptoms of overdose include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, drowsiness, skin rash, or hyperactivity.
Augmentin should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sun and moisture.