Information about the Antibiotic Augmentin

Why is this medication prescribed?

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.

How should this medicine be used?

The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid 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). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

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 your child is finished with the prescription, even if your youngster feels better. Stopping amoxicillin and clavulanic acid too soon may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.

What special precautions should tale with Augmentim?

Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if your child is allergic to amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), clavulanic acid, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products your child is taking.
tell your doctor if your child has had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, or mononucleosis

What side effects can this medication cause?

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause side effects. Tell your child's doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
upset stomach
vomiting
mild skin rash

If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, call their doctor immediately:

severe skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
wheezing
vaginal itching and discharge
yellowing of the skin or eyes

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid medication in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused medication after 10 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Please read our full disclaimer.