Augmentin

Augmentin is an antibiotic medication that is available by prescription. It can be used to treat a number of different bacterial infections. The drug, which comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and a liquid form, is generally taken every 8 or 12 hours (depending on the particular product and dosage). Potential side effects of Augmentin include rashes or itching, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Augmentin?

Augmentin® (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) is a prescription antibiotic medication. It is used to treat a variety of infections.
 
Augmentin ES-600® and Augmentin XR® are similar but slightly different products. This article applies only to regular Augmentin products (not ES or XR).
 
(Click Augmentin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Augmentin?

Brand-name Augmentin is made by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic Augmentin is made by several different manufacturers.
 

How Does It Work?

Augmentin contains two different medications: amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (also known as clavulanic acid or simply clavulanate). It belongs to a group of medications known as aminopenicillins, which is part of a larger group of medications known as beta-lactam antibiotics (named after the ring-like "lactam" structure of these antibiotics). Amoxicillin works by stopping bacteria from making cell walls, which eventually causes the bacteria to die. However, many bacteria have developed resistance to amoxicillin and similar antibiotics by producing enzymes called beta-lactamases. Beta-lactamases break the beta-lactam ring, making amoxicillin and similar antibiotics ineffective.
 
The other component of Augmentin (clavulanate) is known as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Clavulanate binds to bacterial beta-lactamase and stops the enzymes from breaking down the amoxicillin molecule. Clavulanate itself has no significant antibacterial activity; it merely helps to prevent amoxicillin from being broken down by bacteria that would otherwise be resistant to it. Essentially, clavulanate "augments" the activity of amoxicillin (hence the name Augmentin).
 

When and How to Take Augmentin

General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
 
  • Augmentin comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and a suspension (liquid) form. It is taken every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the particular product and dosage.
     
  • It's a good idea to take it with a meal or a snack, as this helps prevent stomach upset.
     
  • Augmentin suspension should be shaken thoroughly before each dose, as the medication tends to settle to the bottom of the bottle. Also, the suspension should be stored in the refrigerator and discarded after 10 days of being mixed. You may have extra suspension left over after finishing the prescribed course of Augmentin; this should be discarded immediately.
     
  • It is very important that you finish your course of Augmentin, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it too soon could lead to the development of medication-resistant bacteria.
     
  • For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Augmentin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of infection and bacteria
  • Your age and weight
  • The particular Augmentin product
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Augmentin Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Augmentin. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Rashes or itching
  • Vomiting.
     
(Click Augmentin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Augmentin

Augmentin can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Augmentin Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Augmentin if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • A penicillin allergy
  • Phenylketonuria
  • Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Augmentin Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Hyperactivity
  • Drowsiness
  • Kidney damage.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Augmentin Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should It Be Stored?

Store Augmentin tablets and chewable tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Augmentin suspension in the refrigerator after it has been mixed by your pharmacist. The suspension must be discarded 10 days after it is mixed.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Augmentin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose, and try to evenly space out your doses throughout the day.
 

Strengths of Augmentin

Augmentin suspension (liquid) is available in the following strengths:
 
  • Augmentin 125 mg per 5 mL (available in 75, 100, and 150 mL bottles) -- banana flavor, containing 125 mg of amoxicillin and 31.25 mg of clavulanic acid per teaspoonful (per 5 mL)
 
  • Augmentin 200 mg per 5 mL (available in 50, 75, and 100 mL bottles ) -- orange flavor, containing 200 mg of amoxicillin and 28.5 mg of clavulanic acid per teaspoonful (per 5 mL)
 
  • Augmentin 250 mg per 5 mL available in 75, 100, and 150 mL bottles) -- orange flavor, containing 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid per teaspoonful (per 5 mL)
 
  • Augmentin 400 mg per 5 mL (available in 50, 75, and 100 mL bottles) -- orange flavor, containing 400 mg of amoxicillin and 57 mg of clavulanic acid per teaspoonful (per 5 mL).
     
Augmentin chewable tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Augmentin 125 mg -- lemon-lime flavor, containing 125 mg of amoxicillin and 31.25 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet
 
  • Augmentin 200 mg -- cherry-banana flavor, containing 200 mg of amoxicillin and 28.5 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet
 
  • Augmentin 250 mg -- lemon-lime flavor, containing 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet
 
  • Augmentin 400 mg -- cherry-banana flavor, containing 400 mg of amoxicillin and 57 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet.
     
Augmentin tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Augmentin 250 mg -- 250 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet
  • Augmentin 500 mg -- 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet
  • Augmentin 875 mg -- 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid per tablet.
     

Generic Augmentin

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of the drug are available for sale (see Generic Augmentin).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;