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Co-Amoxiclav (amoxicillin, clavulanic acid) is used as an antibiotic to treat various conditions, including:

• Otitis media
• Sinusitis
• Strep throat
• Respiratory tract infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Cellulitis
• Animal or human bites
• Urinary tract infections

The above conditions may be treated with medications other than Co-Amoxiclav; 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. This is because amoxicillin is the primary antibiotic of the two medications; the clavulanic acid simply enhances amoxicillin's effects.

In both cases, with amoxicillin alone or when enhanced by clavulanic acid, the medication works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria, allowing the immune system to gain the upper hand.

How should Co-Amoxiclav be Taken?

Ideally the medication is taken only after the bacteria causing the infection are identified; Co-Amoxiclav is not effective against all strains of bacteria. Dosage and duration of treatment may vary slightly depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, in otherwise healthy adults, treatment is roughly similar:

• 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.

Warnings before Use

Note that patients allergic to penicillin are likely to experience an allergic reaction to Co-Amoxiclav. Likewise, patients that experience an allergic reaction to Co-Amoxiclav 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 Co-Amoxiclav may temporarily reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, during and shortly after treatment.

Co-Amoxiclav 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 Co-Amoxiclav 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.