Augmentin side effects and how to avoid them

In this article:

• Common side effects
• Serious side effects
• Side effect duration
• Contraindications
• Interactions
• How to avoid side effects
• FAQs

In this article

• Common side effects
• Serious side effects
• Side effect duration
• Contraindications
• Interactions
• How to avoid side effects
• FAQs

Augmentin is the brand name for amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium, a prescription antibiotic that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It belongs to the penicillin family and combines two medications to help fight bacteria that may be resistant to standard antibiotics.

Healthcare providers commonly prescribe Augmentin for sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. It is available in several forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and suspensions, and it may be used in adults and children, including newborns.

Like all antibiotics, Augmentin can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some reactions can be serious. Understanding what to expect can help you distinguish between normal side effects and when to seek medical care.

Common side effects of Augmentin

If any of these common side effects of Augmentin become bothersome, notify your healthcare provider: 

• Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea
• Skin reactions, such as urticaria (hives), rash, and pruritus (itchy skin)
• Inflammation of the tongue, mouth, or lips 
• Black, hairy tongue
• Oral or vulvovaginal yeast infection 
• Liver problems, including elevated liver enzymes 
• General feelings of malaise, such as headache and fatigue 
• Teeth discoloration with oral preparations 

RELATED: How to prevent a yeast infection from antibiotics

Headache

Headaches are a very common side effect of antibiotic use. They are so common that their incidence and prevalence are not recorded in the literature. Notably, antibiotics, including penicillin antibiotics, have been associated with drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM). Aseptic meningitis can present with headache, fever, neck stiffness, light sensitivity, and altered mental status. If you experience any of these side effects and they do not go away, you should seek medical advice right away.

Diarrhea

Amoxicillin is one of the six most common antibiotics associated with a serious type of diarrhea caused by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. diff). This bacterium can cause severe damage to the colon and should be treated by medical professionals right away. 

RELATED: C.Diff treatments and medications

Heartburn

It is possible that antibiotics, including Augmentin, can disrupt the bacterial microbiome in the stomach and intestines by killing the good bacteria. This disruption to the intestinal microbiome can actually lead to acid reflux, more commonly known as heartburn. Therefore, it is not the antibiotic itself that directly causes heartburn, but rather the alterations to the GI tract it induces. 

Fatigue

Fatigue is a word that encompasses a broad range of feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. Often, when the body is mounting an immune response, it is normal to feel tired, achy, weak, or generally unwell. This is not a side effect of the antibiotic, but instead a consequence of the body fighting an infection. 

Serious side effects of Augmentin

Augmentin use is associated with severe adverse reactions. If you experience any of these reactions, you should seek medical attention right away: 

• Hypersensitivity allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and a serum sickness-like reaction
• Severe and potentially life-threatening skin conditions, such as erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES), which consists of severe nausea and vomiting that occurs one to four hours after taking Augmentin
• Superinfection with other bacteria
• C. diff-associated diarrhea
• Blood cell problems, including hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis
• Interstitial nephritis
• Serious liver disease, including hepatitis
• Cholestatic jaundice, resulting in dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes 
• Aseptic meningitis 
• Seizures

Rash

Penicillin-containing antibiotics, including Augmentin, are associated with very severe and potentially life-threatening skin rashes. The exact incidence of these events is difficult to calculate, given multiple medications as possible offenders and multiple types of rashes as outcomes. 

In general, if you are taking a penicillin-containing antibiotic and experience a painful, red rash that peels, has blisters, spreads quickly, or causes extreme discomfort, you should seek medical care right away. You should also seek medical care if you experience a minor rash with any associated signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, including trouble breathing, rapid heart rate, swelling or edema, severe itchiness, clammy skin, confusion, or loss of consciousness. 

How long do Augmentin side effects last?

Most common side effects associated with Augmentin use, such as abdominal pain, will resolve on their own within several days after starting the medication or within a few days after discontinuing it. Some severe side effects, such as skin rashes, blood abnormalities, liver problems, or jaundice, could take several weeks or months to resolve. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal and should be treated right away. 

Talk to your healthcare provider if side effects last longer than you expected. 

Who should not take Augmentin?

Penicillin allergy 

People with a known penicillin allergy should not take Augmentin. Allergic reactions can be severe and potentially fatal.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any past reactions to penicillins or related antibiotics. Alternative medications are available, such as cephalosporins, which have low cross-reactivity with penicillin allergies.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Augmentin may be used during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh potential risks. While animal studies suggest no harm to fetuses, human studies are limited, so treatment decisions should be individualized.

Augmentin is excreted in the breast milk, so caution should be used during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding infants could experience diarrhea, rash, or thrush. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms occur.

RELATED: Are antibiotics safe in pregnancy?

Kidney and liver disease

People with kidney disease may require dose adjustments. Augmentin is not recommended for individuals with a history of severe liver problems related to this medication.

Overdose

The maximum recommended dose of Augmentin is 1,750 mg per day. Taking more than the prescribed amount increases the risk of serious side effects.

If you suspect an overdose, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency care.

Augmentin interactions

Augmentin can interact with certain medications. Always share a full list of medications, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, with your healthcare provider.

Notable drug interactions include:

• Allopurinol: Increases the risk of a skin rash
• Probenecid: Slows amoxicillin elimination
• Warfarin: Increases bleeding risk

Mononucleosis warning

People with infectious mononucleosis may develop a rash when taking amoxicillin-containing antibiotics like Augmentin. This reaction does not always indicate a true penicillin allergy, but a healthcare provider should still evaluate it.

How to avoid Augmentin side effects

1. Patients should disclose a full medication list, health history, and allergies to their healthcare provider before taking Augmentin. This includes all medications and supplements, any medical conditions the patient has, and any past allergic reactions to medications.
2. Follow medical advice while taking this medication. Take only the dose prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not take more or less medication. Always finish the prescribed course of antibiotics. Take all doses as prescribed, and at the times specified. If you have a missed dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose. Patients should continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if they feel better after the first few doses. 
3. Augmentin and antibiotics in general should be taken for exactly the amount of time recommended by your healthcare provider. For most bacterial infections, Augmentin is taken every eight to 12 hours for up to 14 days. For some very serious infections, Augmentin may be prescribed for a longer duration.
4. Swallow the tablet whole, or take the suspension exactly as prepared. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet or dilute the suspension.
5. Take Augmentin at the start of a meal or with a glass of milk. Taking Augmentin with a meal will enhance the absorption and reduce the chance of an upset stomach. 
6. Refrigerate liquid Augmentin. Augmentin tablets should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Liquid Augmentin oral suspension should be refrigerated once mixed. Store Augmentin in a safe place out of reach of children or pets.
7. Patients should immediately seek medical care if they experience any type of allergic reaction to this medication. Allergic responses and hypersensitivity reactions to Augmentin could be fatal and should be reported and treated as early as possible. 

If you have questions about Augmentin side effects or whether this medication is right for you, a healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you decide on the safest treatment option.

Frequently asked questions about Augmentin side effects

Can Augmentin cause diarrhea?

Yes. Diarrhea is one of the most common Augmentin side effects. It happens because antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut. Mild diarrhea often improves on its own, but persistent or severe diarrhea may be a sign of a serious infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Can Augmentin cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Augmentin can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with a penicillin allergy. Symptoms may include a rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Serious allergic reactions are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment.

Can Augmentin cause a yeast infection?

Yes. Augmentin can increase the risk of oral or vaginal yeast infections by disrupting the normal balance of bacteria in the body. Symptoms may include itching, discharge, or irritation. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Should I stop taking Augmentin if I feel better?

No. You should always complete the full course of Augmentin exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can allow bacteria to survive, leading to antibiotic resistance or recurring infections.

What should I do if Augmentin makes me sick?

If you experience mild side effects, taking Augmentin with food may help reduce them. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or include signs of an allergic reaction, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care right away.