Amoxicillin / Potassium Clavulanate
How to use this information
Medication name
AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANIC ACID - ORAL
(a-MOX-i-SIL-in/KLAV-ue-LAN-ik AS-id)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Augmentin
What you should know about Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid
- Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
- This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold or flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How to take Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid
- Take this medication by mouth with a meal or snack as directed by your medical provider. Depending on your specific product, this medication is usually taken every 8 or 12 hours.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
- Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.
- Tell the medical provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Potential side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or talk to your pharmacist promptly. Taking this medication with food will help to reduce stomach upset.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- Signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin or dark urine)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Unusual tiredness
- This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping or blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
- Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your medical provider if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Amoxicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
- This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions to be aware of
- Before taking this product, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to Amoxicillin or Clavulanic acid; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. Some preparations may contain Phenylalanine or other inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell the medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- Liver disease (including liver problems caused by previous use of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid)
- Kidney disease
- A certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis)
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
- This product may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your medical provider that you are using this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
- During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN or medical provider.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your medical provider or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
- Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
- A product that may interact with this drug is: Methotrexate and Warfarin.
- This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.
What to do in the event of an overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Diarrhea that doesn't stop
- Severe vomiting
- Change in the amount of urine
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.
- With long-term treatment, lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, complete blood counts) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
What to do if you miss a dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How to store this medication
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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