Augmentin(Amoxicillin)

Augmentin (Amoxicillin & Clavulanate Potassium) is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins that fights bacteria in your body to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Synonyms: Clavum, Megamantin, Megamentin, Moxmentin, Clavulanate, Clavulanic Acid

Augmentin Description
Augmentin (Amoxicillin & Clavulanate Potassium) is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins that fights bacteria in your body to treat many different types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

How to Use Augmentin
Take this medication by mouth usually every 12 hours at the start of a meal or with a snack, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take with a high-fat meal because it can decrease the absorption of the drug. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or crush the tablets; this can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Augmentin Side Effects
Side effects that may go away during treatment include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or mild diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience white patches on the tongue, or vaginal discomfort/itching or discharge. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience easy bruising or bleeding, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, dark urine, severe stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin, or severe or bloody diarrhea. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Augmentin Interaction
Augmentin 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. Augmentin can make birth control pills less effective. Use a second non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Augmentin.

Augmentin Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.Symptoms of overdose may include:severe stomach/abdominal pain, severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, a severe decrease in the amount of urine, or seizures.

Augmentin Notes
Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. With prolonged treatment, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney and liver function, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Augmentin Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Augmentin Uses
The combination of Amoxicillin & Clavulanate Potassium (a-MOX-i-SIL-in/KLAV-ue-la-nate) is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, including infections of the ears, lungs, sinus, skin, and urinary tract. Amoxicillin & Clavulanate Potassium also is used sometimes to treat certain sexually transmitted infections (STI). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

Augmentin Other Uses
Consult Doctor for other uses.

Augmentin Storage
Augmentin capsules should be stored in a tightly closed bottle at or below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Store tablets at or below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Augmentin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Augmentin Precaution
Before taking amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe kidney disease/hemodialysis requirements, or a history of liver problems (e.g., cholestatic jaundice) associated with prior use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, other infections (e.g., mononucleosis). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Caution is advised if this medication is given before delivery for a certain condition (premature rupture of fetal membranes) due to a possible increased risk of harm to the newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.