Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
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 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 (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 (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.
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.
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