Augmentin

Augmentin is made up of amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by preventing them from making the protective covering that keeps them from being harmed. Clavulanic acid keeps beta-lactamase from working, which protects amoxicillin from being broken down.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Augmentin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Augmentin:

• The medication works best if taken at the start of a meal and taken every 12 hours as per the dosage forms. Taking it with a meal may reduce stomach upset and help your body absorb the drug better.
• Don't crush or chew the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole, or break it in half and consume one half at a time. Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing a whole or half pill.
• Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before measuring a dose. Use the included dosing syringe or a pharmaceutical dose-measuring instrument (not a kitchen spoon).
• Even if your symptoms resolve rapidly, continue to take this medication for the full duration recommended. Skipping doses increases your risk of developing a drug-resistant infection.

The most common side effects of Augmentin seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Augmentin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Skin rash.
• Itchiness.
• Yeast infection.
• Diarrhea.
• Headaches.
• Stomach pain.
• Gas.
• Anxiety.
• Dizziness.
• Mild allergic reactions.

Serious side effects include:

• Liver problems with symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine.
• Severe skin reactions such as SJS (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
• Severe allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Severe diarrhea.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Augmentin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Augmentin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Allergic to amoxicillin and clavulanate.
• Severe kidney disease (or on dialysis).
• Allergic to any other penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic, such as Amoxil, Ceftin, Cefzil, Moxatag, Omnicef, and others.
• Liver disease (hepatitis or jaundice).
• Mononucleosis.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU) - the liquid version may contain phenylalanine.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• On birth control pills (as Augmentin can can make these less effective).

Do not give Augmentin to someone who has had:

• An allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or a penicillin antibiotic or cephalosporin antibiotic.
• Liver problems after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate.
• Oral contraceptives.

Peak concentrations of Augmentin are often seen within 1.5 hours of administration. However, symptom improvement may take up to 48 hours.

When Augmentin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking so they can check for drug interactions, including:

• Allopurinol.
• Probenecid.
• Blood thinners (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

Augmentin powder for liquid solution is available in numerous strengths, including 250 mg/62.5 mg/5 mL. This means that when the powder is mixed with liquid to make a suspension, it will contain 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic potassium per 5 mL of solution.

Augmentin pills come in a single strength that contains 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic potassium.

Augmentin also comes in chewable tablets that contain 200 mg of amoxicillin/28.5 mg of clavulanic potassium and 400 mg of amoxicillin/57 mg of clavulanic potassium.

If you miss a dosage, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid in the refrigerator and throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.

Augmentin is a brand name of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid that is manufactured by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. However, there are many manufacturers of the brand name as well as the generic.

There is a generic version of Augmention available.

To eliminate the disease-causing bacteria, you must complete the entire treatment course. If you do not take an antibiotic as directed, you may have to restart treatment later. If you stop taking it, harmful bacteria may become more resistant to antibiotics.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

There have not been enough studies on Augmentin during pregnancy to determine if it is safe to take while pregnant. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Augmentin in small doses can enter into breast milk. Although using Augmentin while nursing is generally regarded safe, it may induce negative effects in a breastfed infant. These may include diarrhea and restlessness.