What is Augmentin and how is it used?
Augmentin is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of many different infections caused by bacteria such as lower respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bacterial sinusitis, animal/human bite wounds, and skin infections. Augmentin may be used alone or with other medications.
- Augmentin is a Penicillin, Amino.
What are the possible side effects of Augmentin?
Augmentin may cause serious side effects including:
- severe stomach pain,
- diarrhea which is watery or bloody,
- pale or yellowed skin,
- dark-colored urine,
- fever,
- confusion,
- weakness,
- loss of appetite,
- upper stomach pain,
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice),
- easy bruising or bleeding,
- little or no urination,
- sore throat,
- swelling in your face or tongue,
- burning in your eyes,
- skin pain followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (on the face or upper body) with blisters and peeling
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
The most common side effects of Augmentin include:
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- vaginal itching or discharge,
Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
AUGMENTIN may be taken without regard to meals; however, absorption of clavulanate potassium is enhanced when AUGMENTIN is administered at the start of a meal. To minimize the potential for gastrointestinal intolerance, AUGMENTIN should be taken at the start of a meal.
Adults
The usual adult dose is one 500-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN every 12 hours or one 250-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN every 8 hours. For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the dose should be one 875-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN every 12 hours or one 500-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN every 8 hours. Adults who have difficulty swallowing may be given the 125 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL suspension in place of the 500-mg tablet. The 200 mg/5 mL suspension or the 400 mg/5 mL suspension may be used in place of the 875-mg tablet.
Two 250-mg tablets of AUGMENTIN should not be substituted for one 500-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN. Since both the 250-mg and 500-mg tablets of AUGMENTIN contain the same amount of clavulanic acid (125 mg, as the potassium salt), two 250-mg tablets are not equivalent to one 500-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN.
The 250-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN and the 250-mg chewable tablet should not be substituted for each other, as they are not interchangeable. The 250-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN and the 250-mg chewable tablet do not contain the same amount of clavulanic acid (as the potassium salt). The 250-mg tablet of AUGMENTIN contains 125 mg of clavulanic acid, whereas the 250-mg chewable tablet contains 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid.
EXPERT ADVICE FOR AMOXYCILLIN + CLAVULANIC ACID
- You have been prescribed this combination medicine to treat bacterial infections even if they have developed resistance.
- Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics along with Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop abdominal cramps.
- Take it with food and plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
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Stop taking Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
- Do not use leftover medicine for treating any infection in the future. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR AMOXYCILLIN + CLAVULANIC ACID
Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid
Q. What is Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid?
Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid is a combination of two medicines: Amoxycillin and Clavulanic acid. It is used to treat bacterial infections like, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, boils, abscesses, cellulitis, wound infection, bone infection, and oral cavity infections. The medicine works by killing the harmful bacteria that cause infections.
Q. Is it safe to use Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid?
Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid is safe to use when taken as advised by the doctor. However, in some patients, it may cause common side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reaction and other uncommon or rare side effects. If you experience any persistent problem during the course of your treatment, inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Q. Are there any specific cautions associated with the use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid?
The use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid is considered to be harmful for patients with known allergy to penicillins or any other ingredient of the medicine. It should not be used in patients with a history of liver disease. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.
Q. Can the use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid cause contraceptive failure?
Yes, the use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid can lower the efficacy of birth control pills. Consult your doctor and seek advice regarding the use of other methods of contraception (e.g., condom, diaphragm, spermicide) while you are taking Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid.
Q. Can I take a higher than the recommended dose of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid?
No, taking a higher than the recommended dose of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid can increase the risks of side effects. Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid takes time to show its full effect and treat your infection. If you are experiencing increased severity of your symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
Q. What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid?
Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose off the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Q. Can I stop taking Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid when my symptoms are relieved?
No, do not stop taking Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid before completing the full course of the treatment, even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Hence, continue taking the medicine for the due course as the medicine may still be showing beneficial effects.
Q. Can Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid can cause an allergic reaction. It is considered to be harmful for patients with known allergy to penicillins. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Q. Can the use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. In addition to that, the medicine may affect the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine as well and cause diarrhea. In case you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of water or other fluids. Talk to your doctor if diarrhea persists and you notice any signs of dehydration, like less frequency of urination with dark colored and strong-smelling urine. Do not take any other medicine without consulting a doctor.
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