What is Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate potassium, Clavulanic Acid, Clavulanate)?
Augmentin is a popular medicament that has been labeled as aminopenicillins. It is a medley of clavulanate potassium andamoxicillin (also known as clavulanic acid or simply clavulanate). It reduces a variety of infections such as pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections and infections of the skin.<>br
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the beneficial effects of this product.
What important information should I know about Augmentin?
Do not finish your course of Augmentin, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it too soon may cause the development of medication-resistant bacteria.
Be careful about operating machinery, climbing, driving or doing hazardous tasks until you know how you react to this medicine.
Use alcohol cautiously during treatment with this medicine.
Always ask a health care provider before giving Augmentin to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Augmentin inform your health care provider about:
- phenylketonuria
- hypertension or any type of heart problems
- severe coronary artery disease
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
- liver or kidney disease
- allergy to penicillin, any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
- mononucleosis
- diabetes.
How to take Augmentin?
Augmentin comes in tablets, chewable tablets, or a suspension (liquid) form to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 or 12 hours, at regular intervals, depending on the dosage strength or as directed by your health care provider.
Augmentin is usually accompanied by a full glass of liquid. You may take it either with or without food. In order to minimize stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine Augmentin with meals or snacks.
The tablet should be swallowed whole. The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing. Do not swallow a chewable tablet whole.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
Take this medicine exactly as directed on your prescription label and prescribed by your health care provider.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Augmentin?
If you forget to take a dosage of Asacol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.
What should you do if you overdose of Augmentin?
Any medicine taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you feel an overdose, visit your health care provider straightway.
In large doses, Augmentin may give rise to kidney damage, drowsiness, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity or abdominal pain (stomach pain).
What drug(s) may interact with Augmentin?
- Lisinopril
- Albuterol
- Metformin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Omeprazole
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Aspirin
- Amoxicillin
- Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)
- Atenolol
- Prednisone
- Simvastatin
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Ibuprofen.
This is not a finished list of interactions. Detail information you may receive at your health care provider.
Discuss with your health care provider the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
What side-effects may occur?
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine
- A vaginal yeast infection or thrush
- Mental, mood changes (e.g., unusual excitement, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision)
- Thirst or dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Fever
- Bloody diarrhea or loose stools
- Allergic reaction ( itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; skin rash or swelling; hives; swelling of your throat
- or face
- or tongue
- or lips )
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears
- Nausea, vomiting
- Chest pain, wheezing
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
- Indigestion or upset stomach, bloating, stomach pain, loss of appetite.
If these persist or worsen, notify your health care provider promptly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Augmentin be stored?
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Store the liquid under refrigeration and discard after 10 days. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Augmentin out of the reach of children and away from pets.
