What is Augmentin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Augmentin is the brand-name version of amoxicillin-clavulanate, a powerful penicillin antibiotic that can fight off many types of bacterial infections, including drug-resistant strains. Although Augmentin was once an exclusive brand with many different formats, only liquid Augmentin is still available. The FDA has only approved it for use in children weighing less than 88 pounds. Older children or adults take amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets.
Find information about generic amoxicillin-clavulanate here.
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Augmentin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600
Generic Names:
Amoxicillin-pot clavulanate
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic, penicillin, and beta-lactamase inhibitor antibiotic combination
Forms:
Oral suspension (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Augmentin used for?
Augmentin oral solution is FDA-approved to treat bacterial infections, including ear infections in newborns, infants, and children weighing less than 88 pounds.
What form(s) does Augmentin come in
Oral suspension
125 mg amoxicillin-31.25 mg clavulanate/5 mL
600 mg amoxicillin-42.9 mg clavulanate/5 mL
What are common Augmentin doses?
For middle ear infections:
In newborns and infants younger than 12 weeks: 30 mg/kg/day every 12 hours
In children older than 12 weeks and weighing up to 40 kg (88 lbs.): 45 mg/kg/ given every 12 hours or 40 mg/kg every 8 hours
For less severe bacterial infections in children older than 12 weeks and weighing up to 40 kg (88 lbs.): 25 mg/kg given every 12 hours or 20 mg/kg given every 8 hours
Although Augmentin is FDA-approved for use in children older than 12 weeks, it is no longer offered in the dosage strength appropriate for that use. Healthcare providers still have the option to prescribe Augmentin in its current dosage strength to children who can’t swallow a tablet.
Common Augmentin prescriptions
Augmentin
10 tablets bottleAugmentin
14 tablets bottleAugmentin
15 tablets bottleAugmentin
20 tablets bottleAugmentin
21 tablets bottleAugmentin
28 tablets bottleAugmentin
30 tablets bottleAugmentin
4 tablets bottleAugmentin
75ml of 125-31.25mg/5ml bottleAugmentin
75ml of 250-62.5mg/5ml bottleAugmentin
125-31.25mg/5ml, 100ml bottle suspensionAugmentin
125-31.25mg/5ml, 150ml bottle suspensionAugmentin
500-125mg tabletAugmentin
875-125mg tablet
How to take Augmentin
Augmentin oral solution is only used in young children. Parents or caregivers will administer doses.
Adults and children who are heavier than 88 pounds should take amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets.
Follow the healthcare provider’s directions when giving Augmentin doses. 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.
Give the child Augmentin doses with a snack or at the beginning of a meal to help prevent nausea.
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.
Store Augmentin oral suspension in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Throw away any unused Augmentin after 10 days.
What to do if you miss a dose of Augmentin
If a dose is missed, give it when remembered. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose on time.
Do not give two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Augmentin contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not give Augmentin to a child who has had:
An allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or a penicillin antibiotic or cephalosporin antibiotic.
Liver problems after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Augmentin warnings
Tell any healthcare provider who treats your child that the child is taking Augmentin.
The healthcare provider may need follow-up visits to check the progress of the treatment or assess for side effects. Keep all appointments.
Use this medicine to treat only the infection the healthcare provider has prescribed it for. This medicine will not treat the flu or the common cold.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider if the diarrhea becomes severe or lasts for longer than three days.
This medicine can affect liver function. Make sure the healthcare provider knows if the child has liver problems before prescribing Augmentin.
Augmentin oral suspension contains aspartame. This can cause severe reactions in people with phenylketonuria.
Contact the healthcare provider if:
Symptoms do not improve
Symptoms get worse
The child develops skin rash, mouth sores, or other allergy symptoms
Augmentin interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell the child’s healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements the child is taking, particularly blood thinners or other types of antibiotics.
Make sure other healthcare providers know the child is taking Augmentin before they prescribe new medications.
Augmentin may affect certain medical test results.
Find more information about Augmentin interactions to avoid here.
Augmentin side effects
Serious side effects
Amoxicillin can cause serious side effects. Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe, bloody, or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin
Severe diarrhea, persistent diarrhea, watery or bloody diarrhea
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Mild diarrhea or loose stools
Nausea
Skin rashes
Vomiting
Diaper rash
Find more information about Augmentin side effects here.
Sources:
Augmentin amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Augmentin drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Augmentin ES-600 amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for suspension prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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