Medications and Drugs

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.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2003

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