Augmentin

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium Drug Information

• Augmentin Overview

  Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

• How to Use Augmentin

  Take Augmentin by mouth with a meal or snack as directed by your doctor. Depending on your specific product, Augmentin is usually taken every 8 or 12 hours. The Dosage of Augmentin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Augmentin at the same time(s) every day. Continue to take Augmentin until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell the doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Augmentin Precautions

  Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanic acid; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. Augmentin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Augmentin, tell the doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease (including liver problems caused by previous use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), kidney disease, a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Augmentin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Augmentin unless your doctor tells you to. During pregnancy, Augmentin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Augmentin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Augmentin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Augmentin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Augmentin Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.methotrexate. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Augmentin may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Augmentin.

• Augmentin Side Effects

  What are Augmentin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Augmentin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Augmentin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Augmentin

  The side effects of Augmentin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Augmentin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Augmentin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Augmentin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Augmentin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Augmentin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Augmentin and the side effects associated with Augmentin are described in the following:

  Common Augmentin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • oral candidiasis
  • vulvovaginal candidiasis
  • gastrointestinal irritation
  • headache disorder
  • loose stools
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Augmentin Side Effects

  Severe

  • pruritus of skin
  • urticaria
  • skin rash
  • dyspnea
  • Anaphylaxis
  • serum sickness

  Less Severe

  • phlebitis after infusion
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • insomnia

  Rare or Very Rare Augmentin Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • anemia
  • increased risk of bleeding due to coagulation disorder
  • qualitative platelet disorder
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • leukopenia
  • neutropenic disorder
  • thrombocytosis
  • thrombophlebitis
  • hypotension
  • dental discoloration
  • hepatitis
  • disease of liver
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • interstitial nephritis
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • hematuria
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • seizure disorder
  • fever
  • edema
  • crystalluria
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • cholestasis
  • angioedema
  • agranulocytosis
  • eosinophilia
  • hemolytic anemia
  • hypersensitivity angiitis
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • hemorrhagic cystitis
  • cholestatic hepatitis
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
  • eosinophilic pneumonia
  • Jaundice
  • pancytopenia
  • Multiple Organ Failure
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Hyperbilirubinemia
  • DRESS syndrome

  Less Severe

  • acute confusion
  • stomatitis
  • back pain
  • myalgias
  • chills
  • tremor
  • dysgeusia
  • injection site sequelae
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • agitation
  • dizziness
  • flatulence
  • Acute Abdominal Pain
  • dyspepsia
  • glossitis
  • Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
  • gastritis
  • black tarry stools
  • Furred Tongue

• Augmentin Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Augmentin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details.