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Augmentin (amoxicillin trihydrate/potassium clavulanate) is an antibiotic in the penicillin family, used to treat specific types of bacterial infections, ranging from:

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin infections
• Soft tissue infections
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Bite wounds from either animals or humans

The above conditions may be treated with medications other than Augmentin; this medication is particularly beneficial in cases where the infection is caused by bacteria that are susceptible to amoxicillin but are resistant to amoxicillin alone.

The potassium clavulanate in Augmentin enhances the potency of the amoxicillin, making it effective where amoxicillin alone would provide little benefit. In both cases, with amoxicillin alone or when enhanced by potassium clavulanate, the medication works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria, allowing the immune system to gain the upper hand.

Effective Administration

Before taking Augmentin, note that different delivery modes (tablets versus chewable tablets or oral suspension) and different dosage strengths are not necessarily interchangeable. Be sure to look close at the dosage strength of both medications; in the case of tablets, for example, both 500 mg and 250 mg amoxicillin tablets contain 125 mg potassium clavulanate -- taking two 250 mg tablets to achieve a 500 mg dose of amoxicillin would result in a double dose of potassium clavulanate.

Ideally the medication is taken only after the bacteria causing the infection are identified; Augmentin is not effective against all strains of bacteria.

In adults, treatment is similar for most conditions:

• Take one 250 mg amoxicillin tablet every 8 hours or one 500 mg tablet every 12 hours.
• In cases of severe infection, 500 mg every 8 hours may be given.
• Taking with food is not necessary, but is recommended to reduce stomach upset.
• Try to take each dose at the same time each day to keep levels of the drug consistent.
• Treatment typically lasts 10 days, but may be a bit shorter or longer; it is rare for treatment to extend beyond 14 days.
• Never stop treatment early; doing so contributes to resistant bacteria.

Treatment in children is highly variable depending on weight, age and other considerations; speak with a doctor for ideal dosage.

Precautions & Side Effects

Note that patients allergic to penicillin are likely to experience an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Likewise, patients that experience an allergic reaction to amoxicillin are likely to have reactions to other antibiotics in the penicillin family. If concerned about allergic reactions, most doctor offices offer inexpensive allergy tests.

In some individuals Augmentin may temporarily reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, during and shortly after treatment.

Augmentin is generally a safe medication with only mild side effects; even the more severe side effects are usually reversible if treatment is stopped. Certain conditions do increase the risk of potentially serious reactions, however:

• Allergic reactions to other antibiotics
• Taking other medications
• Kidney or liver disease
• Mononucleosis

Side effects from Augmentin are similar to those experienced with any antibiotic:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Thrush
• Mild rash or itching

Stomach-related side effects are often eased by taking the medication with food. If diarrhea is experienced, be sure to get plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Rarely more serious adverse reactions occur. Warning signs to be alert for include:

• Excessive, persistent diarrhea
• Blood in stools
• Symptoms of jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)

Again, these negative effects of treatment typically reverse when treatment is stopped. Any severe or persistent side effects should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

The medication is not believed to be harmful to unborn or nursing babies; however, there is little data available on the subject. Discuss potential risks with a doctor or pharmacist.