AugmentinAmoxicillin/Clavulanate

Drug name

Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate)

Drug Uses

Augmentin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillin. It fights bacteria in the body. Augmentin is used to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin. Augmentin may also be used for other purposes.

How Taken

Augmentin comes as a capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, and pediatric drop to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Augmentin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid and pediatric drops well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child\'s tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or other cold liquid and taken immediately. The tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Augmentin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Augmentin without talking to your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Augmentin is an antibiotic of the penicillin type. It is effective against different bacteria such as H. influenzae, N. gonorrhea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci. Chemically, it is closely related to penicillin and ampicillin. Addition of clavulanic acid to amoxicillin in Augmentin enhances the effectiveness of this antibiotic against many other bacteria that are ordinarily resistant to amoxicillin.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store away from heat and direct light. Do not store the capsule or tablet form of Augmentin in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Store the oral liquid form of Augmentin in the refrigerator because heat will cause this medicine to break down. However, keep the medicine from freezing. Follow the directions on the label. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the day\'s doses at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and take the rest of the doses for the day as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.