Why is Augmentin prescribed?

Augmentin is used in the treatment of lower respiratory, middle ear, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections that are caused by certain specific bacteria. These bacteria produce a chemical enzyme called beta lactamase that makes some infections particularly difficult to treat.

Augmentin ES-600, a stronger, oral-suspension form of the drug, is prescribed for certain stubborn ear infections that previous treatment has failed to clear up in children two and under, or those attending day care.

Augmentin XR is an extended-release form of the drug used to treat pneumonia and sinus infections.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Because there may be risk to the developing baby, doctors usually recommend Augmentin to pregnant women only when the benefits of therapy outweigh any potential danger. Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Augmentin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment with this drug is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual adult dose is one 500-milligram tablet every 12 hours or one 250-milligram tablet every 8 hours. For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the dose should be one 875-milligram tablet every 12 hours or one 500-milligram tablet every 8 hours. It is essential that you take this medicine according to your doctor's directions.

The total daily dose of Augmentin XR is 4,000 milligrams of amoxicillin and 250 milligrams of clavulanate potassium, given in divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days (for sinus infections) or for 7 to 10 days (for pneumonia).

CHILDREN

Older than 3 months

For middle ear infections, lower respiratory tract infections, sinus inflammation, and more severe infections, the usual dose of the 200- or 400-milligram suspension is 45 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, every 12 hours, in 2 doses, and of the 125- or 250-milligram suspension, 40 milligrams per 2.2 pounds per day, in 3 doses, every 8 hours.

For less severe infections, the usual dose is 25 milligrams of the 200- or 400-milligram suspension for each 2.2 pounds of weight per day, every 12 hours, divided into 2 doses, or 20 milligrams of the 125- or 250-milligram suspension per 2.2 pounds per day, divided into 3 doses, every 8 hours.

The usual dosage of Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) ES-600 oral suspension is 90 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses taken every 12 hours. Treatment lasts 10 days.

Children weighing 88 pounds or more will take the adult dosage of standard Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic).

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic)

Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) may react with the antigout medication Benemid, resulting in changes in blood levels. A reaction with another antigout drug, Zyloprim, may cause a rash. Notify your doctor if you are taking either of these drugs.

Like many antibiotics, Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. You may want to take additional measures while taking Augmentin.

Overdosage

Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) is generally safe; however, large amounts may cause overdose symptoms. Suspected overdoses of Augmentin must be treated immediately; contact your physician or an emergency room.

• Symptoms of Augmentin (Amoxycillin/Clavulanic) overdose may include:
  Diarrhea, stomach and abdominal pain, rash, overactivity, kidney problems, drowsiness, vomiting