MedicineNet.com

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 7, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A

amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, Augmentin, Augmentin XR

Pharmacy Author:
Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

GENERIC NAME: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid

BRAND NAME: Augmentin, Augmentin XR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Augmentin contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the penicillin type. It is effective against some bacteria such as H. influenzae, N. gonorrhea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci. Chemically, it is closely related to penicillin and ampicillin. Amoxicillin stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Clavulanic acid enhances the effectiveness of amoxicillin against bacteria that are ordinarily resistant to amoxicillin alone.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS:

  • Tablets: 250/125 mg (amoxicillin/clavulanic), 500/125, and 875/125 mg.
  • Chewable tablets: 125/31.25, 200/28.5, 250/62.5, and 400/57 mg.
  • Extended-release tablets:1000/62.5.
  • Powder for Suspension: 125/31.25, 200/28.5, 250/62.5, 400/57, and 600/42.9 per 5 ml.

STORAGE: Tablets and dry powder should be stored at room temperature below 25 C (77 F), the former in a tightly closed container. Diluted powder should be refrigerated and discarded after 10 days.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Augmentin is effective against susceptible bacteria causing infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. It is also used in treating urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

DOSING: Augmentin should be taken on a full stomach to reduce stomach upset. No more than one tablet should be taken at a time since the extra clavulanic acid can cause stomach upset. Recommended adult doses are 500 mg every 8-12 hours, 250 mg every 8 hours, 875 mg every 12 hours, or 2000 mg every 12 hours. Dosing is based on the amoxicillin component. Pediatric patients weighing more than 40 kg should receive adult doses. Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg should receive 20 to 45 mg/kg every 8 or 12 hours.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Co-administration of probenecid, a drug used for treating gout, prevents the normal elimination of amoxicillin by the kidneys and can cause high, toxic blood levels of amoxicillin. Augmentin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, increasing the risk of unexpected pregnancies. Combining Augmentin and allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) may increase the occurrence of skin rash.

PREGNANCY: Use of Augmentin in pregnant women has not been well studied. Penicillins are generally considered safe for use by pregnant women who are not allergic to penicillin.

NURSING MOTHERS: Augmentin is excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea in the infant.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Pill Identifier Icon

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.


Back to Medications Index

MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, Augmentin, Augmentin XR by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Strep Throat
      • Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterium called streptococcus (strep) that can be treated through antibiotics. Common symptoms of strep throat include pinkeye, runny nose, skin rash, cough, hoarseness, diarrhea and more. Complications of untreated strep throat include middle ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, and more.
    • Liver Disease
      • Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol or triglycerides, blood flow obstruction to the liver, and toxins (medications and chemicals). Symptoms of liver disease depends upon the cause; however, common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment depends upon the cause of the liver disease.
    • Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis)
      • Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
    • Melioidosis
      • Melioidosis (Whitmore's disease) is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria. Symptoms include bronchitis, pneumonia, fever, headache, loss of appetite, cough and chest pain. Treatment involves antibiotics or surgical removal of the lung abscess in severe cases.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, Augmentin, Augmentin XR

What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)?

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is related to the bacterium that cause tetanus and botulism. The C. difficile bacterium has two forms, an active, infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for prolonged periods, and a nonactive, "noninfectious" form, called a spore, that can survive in the environment for prolonged periods. Although spores cannot cause infection directly, when they are ingested they transform into the active, infectious form.

C. difficile spores are found frequently in:

  • hospitals,
  • nursing homes,
  • extended care facilities, and
  • nurseries for newborn infants.

They can be found on:

  • bedpans,
  • furniture,
  • toilet seats,
  • linens,
  • telephones,
  • stethoscopes,
  • fingernails,...

Read the Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) article »







Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies