Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid
Description
Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid are combination antibiotics used to
treat various bacterial infections, including those of the lungs, airways, ears, urinary tract, skin, bones, joints, soft tissues, and teeth. It contains amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth, and clavulanic acid, which enhances the effectiveness of amoxicillin against bacteria that may otherwise be resistant. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin or any other antibiotics, or if you have experienced allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Share your full medical history, particularly if you have liver or kidney problems, and tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid interactions. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, usually with meals to prevent stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Complete the full course even if you feel better, as stopping early may cause the infection to return or become harder to treat. Seek immediate medical attention for severe diarrhoea, persistent stomach pain, blood in stool, or signs of an allergic reaction. Taken properly, this medicine effectively treats infections and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Uses
Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid is used to treat various types of infections caused by bacteria, such as sinus infection, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, bone, tooth and joint infections....
Contraindications
When should one not use Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid
- If you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanic acid.
- If you have experienced liver problems & jaundice with this medicine before.
- If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any other antibiotic, such as cephalosporins, monobactam, or carbapenem.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid during pregnancy?
A:
It is advised not to take Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid during pregnancy unless it is considered essential by your doctor. It is essential to always consult a doctor before starting any medicine during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid while breastfeeding?
A:
It is advised not to breastfeed when you are taking Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid as its components pass into the breastmilk & are known to cause fungal infections of the mouth and diarrhoea in your baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid?
A:
It is advised not to drive or use machines when you have taken Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid as it may cause dizziness, fits and allergic reactions.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Amoxycillin / Amoxicillin+Clavulanic Acid?
A:
It is advisable to avoid the consumption of alcohol during the treatment with Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, as it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and fits.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
- Amoxicillin kills the bacteria responsible for infections. However, the bacteria make an enzyme (beta-lactamases) that can destroy Amoxicillin.
- Clavulanic acid inactivates this enzyme and hence helps Amoxicillin to function optimally.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Medicines like warfarin or acenocoumarol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Amoxicillin / Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, so regular monitoring of blood clotting tests (PT/INR) is recommended....
- Concomitant use with methotrexate may increase the risk of methotrexate-related side effects, including toxicity, and close monitoring is advised.
- Drugs used to treat gout, such as allopurinol or probenecid, may alter the effects of amoxicillin and should be used with caution under medical supervision.
- Immunosuppressants like mycophenolate mofetil, used after organ transplants, may interact with this medicine and require careful monitoring.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products being taken to avoid possible interactions or reduced effectiveness of either medicine.
Dosage
Overdose
- Symptoms of an overdose include stomach disturbances, vomiting, diarrhoea, drowsiness and fluid retention. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital....
Missed a Dose
It is advised not to miss any dose of antibiotics, as this can lead to therapy failure. If you have missed taking any dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Ravindra Ghongade
B. Pharm
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid used for?
A: Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid is a combination antibiotic used for infections caused by bacteria that produce an enzyme (beta-lactamase) that can make plain Amoxicillin ineffective. It treats infections of the lungs, ears, sinuses, urinary tract, skin, and certain dental infections.
Q: What are the common side effects?
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, mild skin rash, or headache. Severe allergic reactions are rare but may include swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash. Seek immediate medical help if this occurs....
Q: Can I take these antibiotics with other medicines?
- Some medicines, such as blood thinners, other antibiotics, or certain seizure medications, may interact with Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid. Always inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are taking....
Q: What precautions should I follow while taking these antibiotics?
- Take the medicine at the prescribed times, with or without food, as advised. Avoid skipping doses. Drink plenty of water and finish the full course. Do not share antibiotics with others. Report any signs of severe diarrhoea or allergic reactions to your doctor immediately....
Q: How do these antibiotics work?
- Amoxicillin kills bacteria by inhibiting their ability to form cell walls, which bacteria need to survive. Clavulanic acid blocks the bacterial enzyme that would normally destroy Amoxicillin, making the combination effective against bacteria that are resistant to amoxicillin....
References
View All
- GlaxoSmithKline. Augmentin® (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) Tablets and Oral Suspension: Prescribing Information [Internet]. Research Triangle Park (NC): GlaxoSmithKline; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). List of New Drugs Approved in the Year 2025 Till Date [Internet]. New Delhi: CDSCO; [cited 2025 Sep 16].
- GlaxoSmithKline UK. Augmentin 625 mg Tablets (amoxicillin trihydrate, potassium clavulanate) – Summary of Product Characteristics [Internet]. London: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc); [cited 2025 Sep 16].
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