Augmentin dosage, forms, and strengths

Augmentin is the brand-name version of the antibiotic amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium, a mainstay in treating bacterial infections in the body. The amoxicillin treats the infection, while the clavulanate prevents resistance to the amoxicillin component. Both Augmentin and amoxicillin-clavulanate contain the same ingredients, but oftentimes, the generic is more cost-effective.

Augmentin forms and strengths

• Augmentin oral suspension: 125 mg amoxicillin-31.25 mg clavulanate/5 mL, 600 mg amoxicillin-42.9 mg clavulanate/5 mL

• Generic amoxicillin-clavulanate oral suspension: 125-31.25 mg/5 mL, 200-28.5 gm/5 mL, 250-62.5 mg/5mL, 400-57 mg/5mL, 600-42.9 mg/5 mL

Augmentin dosage for adults

Augmentin in liquid form is only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children. Adults and older children take the generic amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets. If an adult cannot swallow a tablet, the healthcare provider could prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate oral suspension off-label. Adults take the same oral suspension dosages as tablet dosages, though chewable tablet dosages are not equivalent.

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Augmentin dosage for children

Augmentin and generic amoxicillin-clavulanate oral suspension are FDA-approved for use in children under 88 pounds. The medicine is designed for easy dosing in newborns, infants, toddlers, and young children. As in adults, Augmentin treats several types of bacterial infections. Unlike generic amoxicillin-clavulanate oral suspension, which is sold in five dosage strengths, Augmentin is only available in two dosage strengths. 

As with adults, dosages for children are usually given as the amoxicillin component only. So “30 mg/kg” means “30 mg of amoxicillin per kilogram.” 

• Standard Augmentin dosage for newborns to children 12 weeks and younger: 30 mg/kg/day divided into two doses taken every 12 hours

• Maximum Augmentin dosage for newborns to children 12 weeks and younger: 30 mg/kg/day

• Standard Augmentin dosage for children older than 12 weeks and weighing less than 40 kg with ear infection, lower respiratory infection, or severe infections: 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses taken every 12 hours OR 40 mg/kg/day divided into three doses taken every eight hours

• Standard Augmentin dosage for children older than 12 weeks and weighing less than 40 kg with less severe infections: 25 mg/kg/day divided into two doses taken every 12 hours OR 20 mg/kg/day divided into three doses taken every eight hours

• Maximum Augmentin dosage for children older than 12 weeks and weighing less than 40 kg: 90 mg/kg/day Augmentin ES-600 OR 40–45 mg/kg/day regular Augmentin

Augmentin pediatric dosage for bacterial infections

Augmentin combines two drugs. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that prevents gram-negative bacteria from forming a cell wall. Eventually, the bacteria die off as their contents spill into the environment. Clavulanic acid, the active form of clavulanate potassium, is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Clavulanic acid blocks the enzyme bacteria use to tear apart penicillin antibiotics, so amoxicillin can kill even drug-resistant bacteria.

In adults and teens, amoxicillin-clavulanate treats bacterial infections, including lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections (sinusitis), Streptococcus infections of the throat, and skin infections such as cellulitis.

While most adults, larger children, and teens take amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets or chewable tablets, very young children might have problems taking those dosage forms. An oral suspension makes for easier dosing. Healthcare professionals prescribe either regular Augmentin or Augmentin ES-600. Doctors use Augmentin ES-600 when high doses are required.

Augmentin dosage restrictions

Dosage adjustments are required for anyone with severe kidney disease. The Prescriber’s Digital Reference has the following recommendations for dosing young children with renal impairment:

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min): 8–20 mg/kg per dose given every 12 hours

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min): 8–20 mg/kg per dose given every 24 hours

• Hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment

Augmentin dosage for pets

Amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets and oral suspension are commonly used in dogs and cats to treat bacterial infections. Veterinarians are unlikely to prescribe brand-name Augmentin because veterinary formulations are lower priced. Dosages vary depending on the infection, but the doses for dogs range from 10 to 25 mg every 12 hours. For cats, veterinarians prescribe 10 to 20 mg every 12 hours. Another recommended dose for cats is 62.5 mg, given every 12 hours. 

How to take Augmentin

Augmentin oral suspension is primarily used in young children, though adults who cannot swallow a pill might be prescribed Augmentin or generic amoxicillin-clavulanate oral suspension. In most cases, however, parents or caregivers for young children will administer daily doses.

• When giving Augmentin doses, follow the healthcare provider’s directions. Do not change the dose or the dosing schedule.

• Give this medicine for the full duration of treatment, even if the child feels better after the first few doses. This is necessary to make sure the infection is completely eradicated.

• Augmentin can be given with or without food. Most healthcare providers suggest giving each dose with a snack or at the beginning of a meal to help prevent nausea or other gastrointestinal problems.

• Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.

• Measure each dose with a dosing spoon, medicine dropper, or the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine.

• Give a missed dose when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, give the next dose as scheduled. Never increase the dose to make up for a missed dose.

• Store Augmentin oral suspension in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

• Throw away any unused Augmentin after 10 days.

Augmentin dosage FAQs

How long does it take Augmentin to work?

Augmentin begins to work on susceptible bacterial infections from the very first dose. People will often feel better after the first few doses. However, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance, Augmentin should be taken for the full duration prescribed.

How long does Augmentin stay in your system?

Augmentin contains two drugs, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin kills bacteria, and clavulanic acid prevents drug-resistant bacteria from neutralizing the amoxicillin. The body clears half a dose of amoxicillin in a little over one hour, and it takes about five hours for the dose to be eliminated. It takes the body longer to completely clear clavulanic acid from the body. That’s usually nothing to worry about. Clavulanic acid only affects bacteria, so side effects are generally limited to minor gastrointestinal issues.

How long can you take Augmentin?

The length of treatment with Augmentin will depend on the type of infection, but it will usually last a few days and is intended for short-term use only. It is unsafe to take long-term antibiotics because of the risks of producing drug-resistant bacteria or developing C. difficile diarrhea.

How do I stop taking Augmentin?

Augmentin can be stopped at any time without causing withdrawal. However, the bacterial infection may return if it is stopped too soon and the course of treatment is not completed. 

A healthcare provider may have to stop Augmentin treatment for anyone allergic to the drug. In those cases, the healthcare provider can choose another antibiotic from a variety of drug classes, including cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. The choice will depend on the nature of the infection.

Can you overdose on Augmentin?

Do not take or administer more Augmentin or take it more often than prescribed. Amoxicillin affects renal function, so an overdose can cause kidney dysfunction or kidney failure. If too much Augmentin has been given to a child, stop the medication and either call a poison helpline or take the child to an emergency room.

What interacts with Augmentin?

To avoid possible drug interactions, make sure to inform the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking. Healthcare providers may avoid using amoxicillin with drugs like methotrexate or certain types of bowel prep laxatives. The gout medications probenecid or allopurinol might also cause problems when combined with Augmentin. Finally, healthcare providers may need to adjust the doses of anticoagulants for people taking Augmentin because it can increase the risk of bleeding. 

Is it safe to take Augmentin during pregnancy?

Augmentin is considered safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies indicate there is no risk to a fetus. However, Augmentin may not be effective when given during labor.

Is it safe to take Augmentin while breastfeeding?

Even though healthcare professionals prescribe Augmentin to newborns, infants, toddlers, and children, they are cautious about using Augmentin in women who are nursing. A small amount of amoxicillin is present in breast milk. While it won’t harm a nursing infant, there is a worry that the infant might develop hypersensitivity to the drug.

What are the common side effects of Augmentin?

The most common side effects of Augmentin are gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include cough, fever, yeast infections, skin rash, and hives. 

What are the severe side effects of Augmentin?

Severe adverse reactions include severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, life-threatening drug reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, bile blockage (cholestatic jaundice), and C. difficile-associated diarrhea. People taking Augmentin should watch for signs of an allergic or skin reaction, such as swelling, skin rash, or similar skin problems. They should also see a healthcare provider if they experience a sudden onset of watery diarrhea even months after amoxicillin treatment has concluded.

Sources

• Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder for suspension, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Amoxicillin clavulanate, StatPearls

• Augmentin amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder for suspension, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Augmentin drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)

• Augmentin ES-600 amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder for suspension, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Clavulanic acid, StatPearls

• Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Manual, 7th ed.