Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid

What are Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is a semisynthetic derivative of penicillin. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor which is effective against bacteria when combined with penicillin-group antibiotics.

Fig.1: Amoxicillin structure

Fig.2: Clavulanic Acid structure

Amoxicillin clavulanic acid ball-and-stick

What are the uses of this medicine?

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are used in combination to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as infections of the ears, lungs, sinus, skin, bone, respiratory tract and urinary tract among others. It can also be used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD) under the direction of a doctor.

How does this medicine work?

Augmentin

Amoxicillin is able to attach to bacterial cell wall which leads to bacterial death because it has the ability to destroy major components of the bacterial cell wall. Clavulanic acid makes amoxicillin more effective because it can inhibit the beta-lactamase secreted by bacteria which would otherwise inactivate antibiotics.

Who Should Not Use this medicine?

This medicine should not be used in anyone who:

• is allergic to penicillin
• has a history of liver disease

Is this medicine FDA approved?

Yes, this medication is FDA approved, initially in 1984.

How should this medicine be used?

This medication comes in 3 forms: liquid, chewable tablets, extended release tablets.

• Shake the liquid before taking.
• The chewable tablets need to be thoroughly chewed.
• The extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.

Follow the instructions on the medication package and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

What are the  dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

US Brand Name

• Amoclan
• Augmentin
• Augmentin ES-600
• Augmentin XR

Canadian Brand Name

• Alti-Amoxi Clav
• Apo-Amoxi Clav
• Novo-Clavamoxin 125
• Novo-Clavamoxin 250
• Ratio-Amoxi Clav 250f

Follow the dosage recommendation on the package or ask your doctor because dosing is dependent on the patient age, size, and infection.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Fig.3: Amoxicillin rash 3 hours after 17th dose

Common side effects

• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

Inform your doctor if these side effects are severe.

If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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

The use of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid has been associated with increased chances of cholestatic jaundice and acute hepatitis.

What special precautions should I follow?

• Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.
• Take this medication with food and drink plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
• In case you experience diarrhea while on this treatment, drink plenty of water and other fluids. Talk to your doctor if the diarrhea persists.
• Finish the prescribed course even if you feel better because your infection might not be fully cured.
• Tooth discoloration may occur in young patients while taking this medication. Brush and floss teeth regularly to prevent this.
• Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may decrease effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), so use other forms of birth control while on this medication.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline of your country. In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose related information is also available online at poisonhelp.org/help.
• In the event that the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services. In the United States, call 911.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid has been assigned to pregnancy category B by FDA, which means the effects of this drug has been studied in animal reproduction and failed to show a risk to the fetus. However, not enough studies have been done to the show the effects of this drug on pregnant women.

Can this medicine be used in children?

Yes, children can use this medicine.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose off the unused medicine. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Dailymed label info on Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid
• FDA Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid