
GENERIC NAME: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
BRAND NAME: Augmentin, Augmentin XR
DRUG CLASS: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the
penicillin type.
It is effective against different 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. Addition of clavulanic acid to amoxicillin in
Augmentin
enhances the effectiveness of this antibiotic against many
other bacteria
that are ordinarily resistant to amoxicillin.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg
clavulanic
acid, 500 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid, 875 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid. Chewable
tablets: 125
mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg clavulanic acid, 200 mg amoxicillin and 28.5 mg clavulanic acid, 250 mg amoxicillin
and 62.5 g
clavulanic acid, 400 mg amoxicillin and 57 mg clavulanic acid. Extended-release tablets of 1000 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 mg clavulanic acid (Augmentin XR). Suspension: 125 mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg
clavulanic
acid per 5 ml, 200 mg amoxicillin and 28.5 mg clavulanic acid per 5 ml, 250 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 mg
clavulanic acid per
5 ml, 400 mg amoxicillin and 57 mg clavulanic acid per 5 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature
in a
tightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored
in the
refrigerator in a tightly closed container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Augmentin is effective against
susceptible
bacteria causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis,
throat
infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
It is also
used in treating urinary tract infections, skin infections, and
gonorrhea.
DOSING: Augmentin should be taken on a full stomach. No more than
one
tablet should be taken at a time since the extra clavulanic
acid can
cause stomach upset.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Augmentin should be avoided by
patients with
an allergy to penicillin and other related antibiotics. Serious
and
occasionally fatal allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been
reported in
sensitive individuals. Treatment with Augmentin and other
antibiotics can
alter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit
overgrowth of C.
difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis.
Patients
who develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotic
treatment
can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes
even shock.
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 can decrease the effectiveness of birth
control
pills, resulting in unexpected pregnancies. Augmentin and
allopurinol together can cause skin
rash.
SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include abdominal
discomfort,
bloating, diarrhea, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, and
vomiting. Major
side effects include bloody or prolonged diarrhea, easy
bruising or
bleeding, reversible hepatitis, rash, swelling, vaginal
itching, and
yellowing of the eyes or skin. Rash is common when Augmentin
and other
ampicillin-related antibiotics are given to patients with
mononucleosis.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2003
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.
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