Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group. It works by fighting bacteria in the body. Clavulanate potassium is similar to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium helps fight bacteria that is resistant to other antibiotics and to penicillin. Combined, these drugs form the antibiotic Augmentin, which can be used to treat a wide array of bacterial infections.
Augmentin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction or cholestatic jaundice that is associated with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium.
Augmentin needs to be taken at evenly spaced intervals. Always take the medication for the entire time prescribed, even if symptoms get better.
This medication should be taken with a full glass of water and at the start of a meal, to help reduce stomach upset.
Augmentin should be stopped and a physician notified if a patient experiences any of the following serious side effects:
Doses and Dosage for Augmentin
Augmentin is available in 250mg, 500mg, and 875mg doses. Two 250mg pills should never be substituted for a 500mg dosage. They are not equivalent.
Adult dosage is one 500mg tablet every 12 hours or one 250mg tablet every eight hours. In severe respiratory infections, 875mg may be prescribed every 12 hours or 500mg every eight hours, may be the indicated dosage.
Pediatric patients weighing less than 40kg will be weight based. Pediatric patients weighing over 40kg are generally prescribed according to adult recommendations.
Due to the possibility of stomach upset, it is best to take with food at the beginning of meals. If stomach upset becomes severe or nausea and vomiting occurs and the patient is unable to keep the medication down, consult the prescribing physician.
Contraindication Information About Augmentin
Patients with a known history of allergic reactions to any form of penicillin should not take any form of Augmentin.Augmentin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction or cholestatic jaundice that is associated with amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium.
How to Take Augmentin
Augmentin in should be taken exactly as prescribed. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Augmentin XR (extended release) should never be crushed or chewed. The pill can be broken in half and both halves need to be taken one at a time.Augmentin needs to be taken at evenly spaced intervals. Always take the medication for the entire time prescribed, even if symptoms get better.
This medication should be taken with a full glass of water and at the start of a meal, to help reduce stomach upset.
Side Effects of Augmentin
Always seek emergency treatment if signs of an allergic reaction occurs while taking Augmentin. Allergic reaction symptoms can include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat.Augmentin should be stopped and a physician notified if a patient experiences any of the following serious side effects:
- easy bruising or bleeding
- watery diarrhea or diarrhea with blood in it
- severe tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness
- skin rash
- pale or yellowed skin
- dark colored urine
- fever, confusion, or weakness
- agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
- seizures
- sore throat and headache with blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- mild skin rash or itching
- white patches in the mouth or throat
- mild diarrhea
- gas or mild stomach pain
- vaginal yeast infection
Doses and Dosage for Augmentin
Augmentin is available in 250mg, 500mg, and 875mg doses. Two 250mg pills should never be substituted for a 500mg dosage. They are not equivalent.
Adult dosage is one 500mg tablet every 12 hours or one 250mg tablet every eight hours. In severe respiratory infections, 875mg may be prescribed every 12 hours or 500mg every eight hours, may be the indicated dosage.
Pediatric patients weighing less than 40kg will be weight based. Pediatric patients weighing over 40kg are generally prescribed according to adult recommendations.
Considerations Regarding Augmentin
Augmentin, when taken as prescribed, is an effective antibiotic against many bacterial infections. Common infections treated with Augmentin include but are not limitied to pneumonia, sinus infection, urinary tract infection, skin infection, bronchitis, and ear infections. This medication needs to be taken on time and at regular intervals without missing doses and without stopping before the medicine is finished.Due to the possibility of stomach upset, it is best to take with food at the beginning of meals. If stomach upset becomes severe or nausea and vomiting occurs and the patient is unable to keep the medication down, consult the prescribing physician.