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Augmentin ( Amoxicillin
plus Clavulanic acid )
O General Information and Indications:
Augmentin, the combination of
amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is used to treat certain
infections caused by bacteria, including infections of the ears, lungs,
sinus, skin, and urinary tract. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications
called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of
bacteria. Clavulanic acid is in a class of medications called beta-lactamase
inhibitors. It works by preventing bacteria from destroying amoxicillin.
Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
O Information For Users:
Augmentin comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet,
and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with a meal
or a snack every 8 hours (three times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a
day). To help you remember to take amoxicillin and clavulanate, take it
around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription
label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take
amoxicillin and clavulanic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or
less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care
provider.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
The other tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.
The 250 mg and 500 mg tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid contain the
same amount of clavulanic acid. Do not substitute two 250 mg tablets for one
500 mg tablet. The 250 mg regular tablet and the 250 mg chewable tablet
contain different amounts of clavulanic acid. They should not be
substituted.
Take amoxicillin and clavulanic acid until you finish the prescription, even
if you feel better. Stopping amoxicillin and clavulanic acid too soon may
cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
Other uses for this medicine
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid also is used sometimes to treat certain
sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Talk to your doctor about the possible
risks of using this medication for your condition.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), clavulanic acid, penicillin,
cephalosporins, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention either of the following: allopurinol (Lopurin,
Zyloprim) and probenecid (Benemid). Your doctor may need to change the doses
of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding kidney or liver disease,
allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives (Urticaria), or mononucleosis.
o you should know that amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may decrease the
effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Plan to use
another form of birth control while taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin and
clavulanic acid, call your doctor.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause
adverse effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
o diarrhea
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o mild skin rash
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:
o severe skin rash
o itching
o hives (Urticaria)
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o wheezing
o vaginal itching and discharge
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
O Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o stomach pain
o vomiting
o diarrhea
o rash
o hyperactivity
o drowsiness
O Brand Name(s):
o Augmentin ES-600®
o Augmentin® XR |
