Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate )

Common Use

Augmentin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic—in simple terms, it is a combination medication that kills a wide range of bacteria. It contains two active ingredients:

Amoxicillin – a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by destroying the cell walls of bacteria, causing them to die

Clavulanate potassium – a substance that protects amoxicillin from being destroyed by beta-lactamase, an enzyme produced by certain bacteria to resist penicillin antibiotics

By combining these two ingredients, Augmentin remains effective against many bacteria that would otherwise be resistant to amoxicillin alone.

Augmentin is active against:

Aerobic bacteria (those that grow in the presence of oxygen)

Anaerobic bacteria (those that grow in the absence of oxygen)

Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria

Beta-lactamase-producing strains (bacteria that produce the enzyme that destroys penicillin)

Augmentin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

Pneumonia – infection of the lungs

Respiratory tract infections – such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis

Gastrointestinal system infections – including certain types of bacterial gastroenteritis

Urogenital system infections – such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections

Infections after surgery (postoperative infections)

Skin and soft tissue infections

Ear infections (otitis media)

Dental infections

Dosage and Direction

Doses are administered individually depending on your condition, the location of the infection, and the susceptibility of the bacteria causing it. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you.

Important instructions:

Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended

Swallow the whole tablet (for standard tablets)

If you are taking the chewable tablet, chew it before swallowing

Augmentin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day (for example, every 8 or 12 hours) to maintain effective levels in your body

Precautions

Do not use Augmentin if:

You are allergic to any other penicillin antibiotic (such as amoxicillin, ampicillin)

You have liver failure or kidney failure

You have mononucleosis (glandular fever) – taking amoxicillin can cause a widespread rash

Contraindications

Augmentin is contraindicated—meaning you should not take it—in the following situations:

Allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanate potassium, or any other penicillin antibiotic

Infectious mononucleosis

A history of liver problems or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) caused by Augmentin or other penicillin antibiotics in the past

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Abdominal discomfort, bloating, or gas

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Vaginal itching (yeast infection)

Less common but more serious side effects may include:

Liver function disorders – changes in liver enzymes

Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by stagnation of bile (cholestatic jaundice)

Allergic reactions – hives, rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing

Special considerations:

Caution should be exercised in patients with liver failure

Augmentin is not recommended for pregnant women (especially in the third trimester) unless clearly necessary

It is not recommended for breastfeeding women without a doctor’s approval, as it passes into breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic reactions in the nursing infant

Drug Interactions

Pseudomembranous colitis: Treatment with Augmentin and other broad-spectrum antibiotics can change the normal bacterial flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea known as pseudomembranous colitis. If you develop severe, persistent diarrhea during or after treatment, contact your doctor immediately.

Probenecid: A medication used to treat gout may slow the excretion of Augmentin by the kidneys, resulting in increased levels and potentially increased toxicity.

Other interactions:

Allopurinol – used for gout; may increase the risk of skin rash

Oral contraceptives – Augmentin may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; an additional form of contraception (such as condoms) is recommended while taking the antibiotic

Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin) – Augmentin may increase the risk of bleeding; INR should be monitored

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

If you suspect that you have taken too much Augmentin and experience symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting

Stomach pain

Diarrhea

Skin rash

Drowsiness

Hyperactivity

Seek immediate medical help.

Storage

Store Augmentin at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. The liquid suspension should be refrigerated and used within the time specified on the prescription.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We know that when a bacterial infection strikes, having your antibiotic delivered quickly and reliably is essential—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Augmentin can be with you by the next day, ready to help you fight off that infection and get back to feeling like yourself again.