What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate is an antibiotic used to treat certain types of bacterial infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, lungs, and urinary tract. It is available in several forms, including oral suspension (liquid), tablets, chewable tablets, and extended-release tablets.
Check our best Amoxicillin-Clavulanate prices
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate overview
BRAND NAMES:
Augmentin
Augmentin ES-600
Augmentin XR (discontinued as a brand-name drug)
Generic Names:
Amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate
Amoxicillin and clavulanate
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
Uses:
Treats infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic
Penicillin antibiotic and beta-lactamase inhibitor
Forms:
Liquid, tablet, chewable tablet, long-acting tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate used for?
Amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate is a commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat certain types of bacterial infections in adults and children. It does not treat infections caused by a virus, such as the common cold or flu.
Key takeaways
Take this medicine as directed. Do not stop taking this medicine before your treatment is complete. Doing so can cause the infection to come back and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Take each dose at the beginning of a meal. This helps reduce stomach discomfort.
If your child is taking the liquid form, store it in the refrigerator. Shake well before measuring each dose with a medicine measuring device. Do not use kitchen measuring devices, as they are not as accurate.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time.
If you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, get emergency medical help right away.
What form(s) does Amoxicillin-Clavulanate come in
Oral tablet
250 mg/125 mg
500 mg/125 mg
875 mg/125 mg
Oral extended-release tablet
1,000 mg/62.5 mg
Oral chewable tablet
200 mg/28.5 mg
400 mg/57 mg
Oral suspension
125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL
200 mg/28.5 mg per 5 mL
250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL
400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL
600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL
What are common Amoxicillin-Clavulanate doses?
The dosage and duration of treatment will vary based on factors such as the age of the patient (and in children, also based on weight), as well as type and severity of infection. The duration is typically 5 to 14 days, depending on the infection. Some common examples follow, with dosing based on the amoxicillin component.
Adults and pediatric patients weighing more than 88 pounds: 500 or 875 mg by mouth every 12 hours; or 250 mg or 500 mg by mouth every 8 hours
Pediatric patients 12 weeks and older: 25 to 45 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours; or 20 to 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours
Newborns and infants under 12 weeks old: 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours
Common Amoxicillin-Clavulanate prescriptions
Amoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
100ml of 200-28.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
100ml of 250-62.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
100ml of 400-57mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
125ml of 600-42.9mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
150ml of 250-62.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
20 tablets bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
200ml of 600-42.9mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
30 tablets bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
50ml of 200-28.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
50ml of 400-57mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
75ml of 200-28.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
75ml of 250-62.5mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
75ml of 400-57mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
75ml of 600-42.9mg/5ml bottleAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
200-28.5mg/5ml, 100ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
200-28.5mg/5ml, 50ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
200-28.5mg/5ml, 75ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
250-62.5mg/5ml, 100ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
250-62.5mg/5ml, 150ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
250-62.5mg/5ml, 75ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
400-57mg/5ml, 100ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
400-57mg/5ml, 50ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
400-57mg/5ml, 75ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
600-42.9mg/5ml, 125ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
600-42.9mg/5ml, 200ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
600-42.9mg/5ml, 75ml bottle suspensionAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
250-125mg tabletAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
500-125mg tabletAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
875-125mg tabletAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
200-28.5mg tablet chewableAmoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate
400-57mg tablet chewable
How to take Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is important to finish the full course of treatment in order to clear up your infection, even if you start to feel better after a few days.
Take this medicine at the beginning of a meal to minimize stomach discomfort.
Chewable tablets: Chew the tablet completely before you swallow it.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Store tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with an oral syringe or medicine measuring device. Do not use kitchen measuring devices, as they are not as accurate. Shake the medicine well just before you measure each dose. Rinse the spoon or dropper after each use.
Store liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.
What to do if you miss a dose of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not take double doses or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medications. You should not take amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate if you have had a serious allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or a similar antibiotic (a penicillin or cephalosporin).
You should not take amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate if you have mononucleosis (mono) or have a history of liver problems caused by this medicine.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate warnings
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver problems.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur up to two months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
The chewable tablet and oral liquid contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before you use this medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate interactions
Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Before taking amoxicillin-pot-clavulanate, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking allopurinol, probenecid, or a blood thinner, such as warfarin.
Birth control pills may not work as well while you are taking this medicine. Use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy. You can ask your healthcare provider for medical advice on the best type of birth control to use.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate side effects
Serious side effects
In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. You should get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Symptoms of a serious skin reaction also require emergency medical attention. These symptoms may include burning eyes, sore throat, skin pain, or a rash with peeling, shedding, or blistering skin.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following serious side effects. If the symptoms are severe or you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical help.
Watery or bloody stools
Severe vomiting within one to four hours after you take a dose of medicine
Symptoms of infection returning, such as fever, chills, or sore throat
Signs of a liver problem, such as upper stomach pain, tiredness, appetite loss, easy bleeding and bruising, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Less serious side effects
Mild diarrhea
Upset stomach
Nausea and vomiting
Vaginal itching or discharge
Tooth discoloration (in children)
Diaper rash
Sources:
Augmentin, PDR
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, MedlinePlus (2024)
Amoxicillin and clavulanate, DailyMed (2024)
Drugs@FDA: FDA-approved drugs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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