Uses
Augmentin contains a beta lactam antibiotic(amoxicillin) along with a beta-lactamase inhibitor(clavulanic acid). Amoxicillin works by binding to penicillin binding proteins within bacteria, which suppress the bacteria’s ability to produce cell walls, leading to the death of the bacteria(lysis). Clavulanic acid helps to fight against resistant bacteria which have the ability to create enzymes that can cleave the amoxicillin or penicillin molecules. Clavulonic acid inhibits these enzymes. Augmentin is used to treat a variety of infections including infections of the sinuses, ear, and skin. It can kill gram positive, and some gram negative bacteria.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, take it at the beginning of your meal. (the meal can help to absorb the medicine).
It is important that you take this medication exactly as directed until it runs out. Do not stop taking this medicine because you feel better. Do not skip doses.
If the pill has a score line, you may cut the pill on the score line.
If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as possible. If it is already almost time for your upcoming dose, take only that one dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Stomach conditions such as ulcerative colitis, liver or kidney diseases, mononucleosis, allergic reactions, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea that is severe or lasts more than 2 days.
Talk to your doctor regarding birth control while taking Augmentin. Some doctors recommend at least 2 forms of birth control to be used.
This medication can effect lab tests that test for sugar levels in the urine.
Be sure to contact your doctor if your symptoms are not improving or getting worse.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, seizures, changes in urine color(darker urine), changes in the passage or amount of urine, sore throat, chills, fever, bruising or unusual bleeding, fatigue, soars or white patches within the mouth, any red blistering, loosening or peelings skin, severe diarrhea.
Other Side Effects
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, anal or vaginal irritation, headache, candidiasis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, liver damage.
Dose
Otitis Media
Adults and Adolescents
500 mg of amoxicillin every 8-12 hours(based on severity).
OR
250 mg of amoxicillin every 8 hours.
OR
875 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours (based on severity).
Community Acquired Pneumonia:
Adults
Extended Release Tablets: 2000 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours for 7-10 days.
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 875 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours (based on severity).
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 500 mg of amoxicillin every 8 hours. Taken for around 7-10 days (based on severity).
Impetigo
875 mg of amoxicillin twice per day. Taken for about 7 days (other dose schedules are also given).
Skin or Tissue Infection
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 500 mg of amoxicillin every 8-12 hours.
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 250 mg of amoxicillin every 8 hours
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 875 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours (based on severity).
Sinusitis
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 875 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours (based on severity).
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 500 mg of amoxicillin every 8-12 hours(based on severity). Taken for around 5-7 days.
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 250mg by mouth every 8 hours. Taken for around 5-7 days.
OR
Extended Release Tablets: 2000 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours for around 10 days.
Urinary Tract Infections
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 500 mg of amoxicillin every 8-12 hours
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 250 mg of amoxicillin every 8 hours
OR
Regular Tablets(Immediate Release): 875 mg of amoxicillin every 12 hours (based on severity).
Sources
1. Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium oral tablets, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium oral tablets[package insert]. Philadelphia, PA: Penn Labs Inc; 2008.
2. Augmentin® powder for oral suspension , chewable tablets, amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium powder for oral suspension, chewable tablets[package insert] . Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2009.
3. Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin Infect Dis 2005;41:1373-406.
4. Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) powder for oral suspension, tablets, and chewable tablets [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.; 2013.
