Overview
Augmentin is the brand name for the combination of medications amoxicillin and calvulanate potassium. Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic used to kill bacteria and stops their growth. This medication is only available with a health care provider prescription and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Indications
Augmentin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections and skin infections. Augmentin is often used to treat these disorders due to its ability to easily absorb into the gastrointestinal tract. Augmentin should only be prescribed for bacterial infections caused by microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureas. Taking Augmentin for any other reason can increase the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Side Effects
Drugs.com instructs patients to immediately notify a health care provider if any of the following life-threatening side effects occur: hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, other series side effects can include bloody or watery diarrhea, urine that is dark colored, yellow skin, fever, confusion, bruising or bleeding, stomach pain or blistering and peeling of the skin.
Dosing and Proper Use
Augmentin is typically taken every eight to 12 hours and can be taken with or without food, but patients should follow the dosage instructions as detailed by their health care providers. Patients should not chew, break or crush extended-release tablets. If a dose is skipped, take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is close to time for the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take two doses of this medication at the same time.
Precautions
According to the Mayo Clinic, if no improvement in symptoms is noted after a few days of treatment or if symptoms get worse, notify a health care provider. Patients with known penicillin allergies should not take Augmentin. Antibiotics such as Augmentin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control. To prevent pregnancy while taking this medication, use additional contraceptive methods such as condoms. Do not use Augmentin if you have liver disease, such as a history of jaundice or hepatitis, kidney disease, mononucleosis or if you are allergic to cephalosporin medications such as Omnicer, Cefzil, Ceftin or Keflex. Augmentin is not known to cause harm to unborn babies, but it can be passed through breast milk and can cause adverse effects to a nursing infant.
Availability
Augmentin is available in the form of tablets, extended release tablets, oral suspension (liquid) and chewable tablets. Augmentin is available in 125mg, 200mg, 250mg, 400mg, 500mg, 875mg, 600mg/5ml extended release and 1GM extended release doses.
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