Amoxicillin Clavulanate - Augmentin
Amoxicillin and Clavulanate (a mox ih SIH lin and kla vue LAH nate poe TAH see um)Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR
What is the most important information I should know about Augmentin?
Take all of the Augmentin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.
Augmentin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Augmentin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
What is Augmentin?
Augmentin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. Augmentin fights bacteria in the body.
Augmentin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.
Augmentin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Augmentin?
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Augmentin without first talking to your doctor.
Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you have
liver disease;
kidney disease; or
mononucleosis.
You may not be able to take Augmentin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
The Augmentin 200 mg chewable tablets contain 2.1 mg phenylalanine; the 400 mg chewable tablets contain 4.2 mg phenylalanine; and 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of either the 200 mg/5 mL or 400 mg/5 mL oral suspensions contain 7 mg phenylalanine. The Augmentin ES-600 suspension contains 7 mg phenylalanine per teaspoon. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
Augmentin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Augmentin passes into breast milk. Rarely, Augmentin may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take Augmentin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take only the medication that has been prescribed for you. Different formulations and/or strengths of Augmentin are not equivalent to one another and should not be used as substitutes.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Augmentin should be taken with a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset.
Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.
Do not crush, chew, or break the Augmentin XR tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
Shake the liquid form of Augmentin well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Augmentin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed.
Take all of the Augmentin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an Augmentin overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and kidney problems.
What should I avoid while taking Augmentin?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Augmentin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Augmentin?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Augmentin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting); or
diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 3 days.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Augmentin and talk to your doctor if you experience
mild diarrhea;
nausea or vomiting;
rash;
white patches in the mouth (thrush/yeast infection); or
vaginal yeast infection or diaper rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Augmentin?
Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
allopurinol (Zyloprim);
probenecid (Benemid); or
another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection).
You may not be able to take Augmentin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Augmentin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Augmentin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Augmentin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about Augmentin written for health professionals that you may read.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Click here for more information on Augmentin from the manufacturer.
Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.
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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? Return to top
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). To help you remember to take amoxicillin and clavulanate, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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 doctor.
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 Return to top
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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow? Return to top
Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), clavulanic acid, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other medications.
tell 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.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, or mononucleosis.
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.
tell 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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
diarrhea
upset stomach
vomiting
mild skin rash
If you experience any of the following 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
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top
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.
In case of emergency/overdose Return to top
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
stomach pain
vomiting
diarrhea
rash
hyperactivity
drowsiness
What other information should I know? Return to top
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, call your doctor.
Brand names Return to top
Augmentin
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