Augmentin
Augmentin
Augmentin (pronounced: /ɔːɡˈmɛntɪn/) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of bacterial infections. It is a combination of two active ingredients: amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic, and clavulanate potassium, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination works by killing the bacteria that cause infections and preventing them from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.
Etymology
The name "Augmentin" is derived from the Latin word "augmentum", which means "increase" or "growth". This refers to the medication's ability to enhance the effectiveness of amoxicillin by preventing bacterial resistance.
Usage
Augmentin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It is also used in the treatment of certain types of strep throat and tonsillitis.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Augmentin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects like allergic reactions, liver disease, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
Precautions
Patients who are allergic to penicillin or have a history of liver disease or kidney disease should inform their doctor before taking Augmentin. It is also important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.
Related Terms
- Amoxicillin
- Clavulanate potassium
- Penicillin
- Beta-lactamase inhibitor
- Bacterial infections
- Antibiotic resistance
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Augmentin
- Wikipedia's article - Augmentin
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