It's used to treat bacterial infections in your airways, such as a sinus infection or pneumonia.
It's also available in an extra-strength formulation (Augmentin ES), an extended-release formula (Augmentin XR), and under the brand name Amoclan.
Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking production of a chemical the germs need to build their cell walls.
Clavulanate is a chemical that helps antibiotics overcome some bacteria's antibiotic resistance.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Augmentin in 1984. GlaxoSmithKline is one of several manufacturers that produce it.
Augmentin Warnings
Augmentin can cause a severe form of diarrhea called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). It's marked by loose, watery stool with an unusually foul smell.If not treated promptly, CDAD causes dehydration and can cause sepsis in severe cases.
Since dehydration can disrupt your levels of sodium and potassium, you may have tremors, feel weak, have an irregular heartbeat, or all three.
Augmentin, like other penicillin antibiotics, can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
If you are sensitive to it, you may break out in hives, have trouble breathing, and your mouth, gums, and throat may swell.
Don't take Augmentin if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in it.
Avoid Augmentin if you've had an allergic reaction to another penicillin antibiotic or beta-lactam antibacterial drug.
Talk to your doctor before taking Augmentin if you:
- Have liver or severe kidney problems, especially if you need dialysis to prevent kidney failure
- Have mononucleosis
- Have ulcerative colitis
- Have HIV/AIDS
- Have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
- Take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin)
- Take Probalan (probenecid)
Augmentin and Pregnancy
Most doctors consider Augmentin generally safe to take while pregnant.Nonetheless, talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Taking Augmentin during pregnancy may lower your estrogen level.
Because it lowers estrogen levels, Augmentin makes birth control pills less effective.
If you are taking oral contraceptives, consider using a back-up form of contraception while taking Augmentin and for a few weeks afterward.
Augmentin may be passed to a breastfeeding infant through breast milk, though it's generally considered safe.
Nonetheless, talk to your doctors about the risks of taking Augmentin before breastfeeding.
Augmentin Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Swelling of the tongue and mouth
- Black, hairy tongue
- Thrush, an oral form of a Candida yeast infection
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
- Severe and potentially life-threatening skin diseases
- Irritation or inflammation of the skin or both
- Multiple infections at the same time
- Blood or bone marrow disorders, such as low levels of red blood cells or white blood cells
- Seizures
- Jaundice
Augmentin Interactions
This includes prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements (nutritional shakes, protein powders, etc.), herbal remedies, and illegal and recreational drugs.
You should not take Augmentin if you've receiving treatment with Theracys (BCG live intravesical) or have received Vivotif (typhoid vaccine live oral).
Augmentin interacts with many drugs and several should be taken with caution. These include:
- Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
- Chloroquine (Aralen)
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
- Magnesium citrate (Citroma)
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as like omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
- Tetracycline antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline (Vibramycin)
- Tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept)
- Bupropion (Aplenzin, Contrave, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, Zyban)
Augmentin and Alcohol
Because both Augmentin and alcohol can cause dizziness and drowsiness, using the two together might worsen these effects.Avoid or limit drinking while taking Augmentin.
Augmentin and Grapefruit Juice
Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Augmentin.Scientists don't know whether the liver breaks down Augmentin the same way that it does grapefruit juice.
Augmentin Dosage
Augmentin is available as a tablet or liquid. To avoid stomach upset, take it with meals or a snack.
The tablets contain different doses of amoxicillin, but the same, 125 milligrams (mg) dose of clavulanate-potassium. Augmentin tablets come in the following strengths:
Augmentin XR extended release tablets contains 1000 mg or 1 gram (g) of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanate.
In general, you should not take more than 1200 mg amoxicillin in Augmentin per kilogram (kg) of body weight a day.
Your doctor may also prescribe an Augmentin syrup if you or someone you care for has trouble swallowing pills.
As with all antibiotics, be sure to finish taking the entire amount of medication your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better.
The doctor bases the prescribed dose on your child's weight.
A 5 ml dose contains the following amounts of amoxicillin and clavulanate:
You can contact a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Don't take two doses of Augmentin at the same time.
The tablets contain different doses of amoxicillin, but the same, 125 milligrams (mg) dose of clavulanate-potassium. Augmentin tablets come in the following strengths:
- 250 mg /125 mg
- 500 mg/ 125 mg
- 875 mg /125 mg
Augmentin XR extended release tablets contains 1000 mg or 1 gram (g) of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanate.
In general, you should not take more than 1200 mg amoxicillin in Augmentin per kilogram (kg) of body weight a day.
Your doctor may also prescribe an Augmentin syrup if you or someone you care for has trouble swallowing pills.
As with all antibiotics, be sure to finish taking the entire amount of medication your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better.
Augmentin and Children
Your child's doctor may prescribe a syrup of Augmentin, which a pharmacist will make from a powder containing amoxicillin and clavulanate.The doctor bases the prescribed dose on your child's weight.
A 5 ml dose contains the following amounts of amoxicillin and clavulanate:
- 200 mg/ 28 mg
- 400 mg/ 57 mg
- 125 mg/ 31.25 mg
- 250 mg/ 62.5 mg
Augmentin Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.You can contact a poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
Augmentin Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Augmentin, try to take it as soon as you remember.If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Don't take two doses of Augmentin at the same time.
Augmentin Pictures
