Amoxicillin; Clavulanic Acid tablets
What do amoxicillin/clavulanic acid tablets do?
AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANIC ACID (Augmentin(R)) is a penicillin antibiotic. Amoxicillin kills or stops the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Clavulanic acid is added to amoxicillin to help the amoxicillin to work better. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid treats many different kinds of infections of the skin, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, and kidney. It also treats some sexually transmitted disease. Generic amoxicillin/clavulanic acid tablets or chewable tablets are not available.
What should my health care professional know before I take amoxicillin/clavulanic acid?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• eczema
• kidney disease
• leukemia
• liver disease
• mononucleosis
• intestinal problems (especially colitis)
• other chronic illness
• phenylketonuria
• viral infection
• an unusual or allergic reaction to amoxicillin, other penicillins, imipenem, cephalosporin antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take amoxicillin/clavulanic tablets or chewable tablets by mouth. If you are prescribed chewable tablets, crush or chew them; do not swallow them whole. Take amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with food or at the start of a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 6 to 8 hours between doses.
What other medicines can interact with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid?
• allopurinol
• birth control pills
• methotrexate
• neomycin
• probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking amoxicillin/clavulanic acid?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dark yellow or brown urine
• dizziness
• fever or chills, sore throat
• headache
• increased thirst
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash, itching
• stomach pain or cramps
• swollen joints
• severe or watery diarrhea
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach gas or heartburn