What is the most important information I should know about Augmentin (amoxicillin & clavulanate)?

What is Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate)?

Augmentin (amoxicillin- clavulanate) is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate) fights bacteria in the body.

Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate) is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate)?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or to a cephalosporin, you may also be allergic to Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate). Tell your doctor about any past drug allergies.

Before taking Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate),  tell your doctor if you have:

    * liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or jaundice);
    * kidney disease;

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Augmentin (amoxicillin & clavulanate), or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Some forms of this medication contain as much as 7 mg of phenylalanine per dose. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or otherwise need to restrict your intake of phenylalanine.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate) can pass into breast milk and may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What should I avoid while taking Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Augmentin (amoxicillin - clavulanate) is available with a prescription under the brand name Augmentin. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

    * Augmentin chewable 125 mg-round, yellow, lemon-lime-flavored tablets
    * Augmentin chewable 200 mg-round, pink, cherry-banana-flavored tablets
    * Augmentin chewable 250 mg-round, mottled-yellow, lemon-lime-flavored tablets
    * Augmentin chewable 400 mg-round, mottled-pink, cherry-banana-flavored tablets
    * Augmentin 250 mg-oval, white, film-coated tablets
    * Augmentin 500 mg-oval, white, film-coated tablets
    * Augmentin 875 mg-capsule-shaped, white, scored tablets
    * Augmentin suspension 125 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)-banana-flavored liquid
    * Augmentin suspension 200 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)- orange-raspberry-flavored liquid
    * Augmentin suspension 250 mg per 5 mL (1 tsp)-orange-flavored liquid
    * Augmentin suspension 400 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)- orange-raspberry-flavored liquid
    * Augmentin ES-600 suspension 600 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)-orange-raspberry-flavored suspension
    * Augmentin XR 1000mg-oval, white, film-coated tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.