| Why
is Augmentin prescribed?
The combination of Augmentin, a penicillin-like antibiotic, and
clavulanate potassium is used to treat bacterial infections of the
ear, lungs, nose, sinus, skin, and urinary tract. Antibiotics will
not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Augmentin
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How should Augmentin be used?
Augmentin and clavulanate potassium comes as a tablet,
chewable tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken
every 8 hours (three times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day).
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Augmentin and clavulanate potassium exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.
Shake
the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
The
chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
The other tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.
Continue
to take Augmentin and clavulanate potassium even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Augmentin and clavulanate potassium without talking
to your doctor.
Augmentin :
Full Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Augmentin and clavulanate potassium, --
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Augmentin
and clavulanate potassium, penicillin, or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, allopurinol
(Lopurin), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
disulfiram, oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease, allergies, asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems,
or hay fever.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Augmentin
and clavulanate potassium, call your doctor.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Augmentin and clavulanate.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Augmentin cause?
Although side effects from Augmentin and clavulanate potassium are
not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away:
- upset
stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- mild skin rash
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- severe
skin rash
- itching
- hives
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- wheezing
- vaginal infection
What storage conditions are needed for Augmentin?
Keep Augmentin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid
medication in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any
unused medication after 10 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Augmentin
and clavulanate potassium.
If
you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test
your urine for sugar while taking this drug.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably
not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you
finish the Augmentin and clavulanate potassium, call your doctor.
Augmentin :
Full Prescribing Information |