This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Augmentin Consumer Information
AUGMENTIN
Generic Name: amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (a mox ih SIH lin and kla vue LAH nate poe TAH see um)
Brand Names: Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR
What is the most important information I should know about amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?
- Take all of the amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
What is amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium fights bacteria in the body.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium without first talking to your doctor.
- Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- mononucleosis.
- You may not be able to take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- The Augmentin 200 mg chewable tablets contain 2.1 mg phenylalanine; the 400 mg chewable tablets contain 4.2 mg phenylalanine; and 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of either the 200 mg/5 mL or 400 mg/5 mL oral suspensions contain 7 mg phenylalanine. The Augmentin ES-600 suspension contains 7 mg phenylalanine per teaspoon. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium passes into breast milk. Rarely, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?
- Take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take only the medication that has been prescribed for you. Different formulations and/or strengths of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are not equivalent to one another and should not be used as substitutes. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be taken with a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset.
- Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.
- Do not crush or chew the Augmentin XR tablets. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. If swallowing of the whole tablets is difficult, they may be broken in half where they are scored. Both parts of the tablet should still be taken if it is broken.
- Shake the liquid form of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be taken at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed. It is important to take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium regularly to get the most benefit.
- Take all of the amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
- Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of an amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and kidney problems.
What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?
- There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.