What is Augmentin used for?
Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medications known as penicillins. Amoxicillin works to fight bacteria in the body. Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps to keep certain bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin. Augmentin is used to treat different infections caused by bacteria. These include: pneumonia, urinary tract infections, ear infections, sinusitis, infections of the skin, and bronchitis.
Augmentin Information
How to Use Augmentin?
Take Augmentin exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label closely. Do not alter how you take this medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Augmentin will usually be prescribed to be taken every 8-12 hours at the start of a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Never crush or chew the extended-release tablet as this can affect how the medication is absorbed into your system. Swallow the pill whole, or break the pill in half and take both halves one at a time. If you take the chewable tablet, fully chew it before you swallow.
If you are prescribed the liquid form of the medication, shake it well before measuring your dose. Measure the liquid medication with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or cup. If you don’t have a dose-measuring device already ask your pharmacist for one.
Use Augmentin for the full length of time prescribed. Your symptoms might improve before the infection clears completely. If you skip doses you risk further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Augmentin does not work for viral infections.
What are the drug interactions with Augmentin?
Drug interactions can affect how your medications work or increase your risk of experiencing negative side effects. Some drug interactions have to be completely avoided. Others can be mitigated through changing the doses of your medication.
The following medications interact with Augmentin:
This is an incomplete list of drug interactions. Ensure you give your doctor a list of the prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you take so they can properly monitor for drug interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions you can call us at 1-844-416-4282 and ask to speak to a pharmacist for counseling.
What are side effects of Augmentin?
As well as the intended effects of medications, they can also cause unwanted side effects. Though not all of these side effects will occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.
If you encounter any of the following, seek medical attention:
Less Common
- Hives or welts
- Itching
- Itching of the vagina or genital area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Redness of the skin
- Skin rash
- Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
Rare
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Fever
- Greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
- Seizures
- Swelling of the feet or lower legs
Incidence Not Known
- Abdominal or stomach cramps or tenderness
- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- Black, hairy tongue
- Black, tarry stools
- Bleeding gums
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Bloating
- Blood in the stools
- Bloody nose
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Clay-colored stools
- Cough or hoarseness
- Cracks in the skin
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with moving
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever with or without chills
- General body swelling
- General feeling of tiredness or weakness
- Headache
- Heavier menstrual periods
- Increased thirst
- Joint or muscle pain
- Light-colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of heat from the body
- Lower back or side pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain
- Pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
- Painful or difficult urination
- Pale skin
- Rash
- Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- Red, irritated eyes
- Red, swollen skin
- Scaly skin
- Swollen glands
- Tightness in the chest
- Troubled breathing with exertion
- Unpleasant breath odor
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Unusual weight loss
- White patches with diaper rash
- Yellow eyes or skin
If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur, get emergency medical help immediately:
Symptoms of Overdose
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Cloudy urine
- Diarrhea
- Greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine
- Sleepiness
This is not a complete list of side effects, some people may experience symptoms not listed here. If you notice any unlisted symptoms talk to your doctor.
