Generic name: Amoxicillin Clavulanate
Availability: By prescription only
Drug Class: Antimicrobials, Penicillins, Amino
What Is the Use of Augmentin?
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a combination of antibiotic that belongs to classes of drugs called antimicrobials and penicillins. Antimicrobial drugs are used to destroy or stop the growth of infection and disease-causing bacteria. Penicillins refer to drugs that are derived from the penicillin fungi. Augmentin is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including:
- Sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses),
- Pneumonia,
- Ear infections,
- Bronchitis,
- Urinary tract infections, and
- Infections of the skin
What Are Common Side Effects of Augmentin?
Common side effects of Augmentin include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash or itching
- White patches in your mouth or throat
- Vaginal yeast infection (itching or discharge)
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Professional Indications: What is Augmentin Used to Treat?
To reduce the development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) and other antibacterial drugs, Augmentin should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.
Augmentin® is a combination penicillin-class antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible isolates of the designated bacteria in the conditions listed below*:
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Acute Bacterial Otitis Media
Caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
Sinusitis
Caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
Skin And Skin Structure Infections
Caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella species.
Urinary Tract Infections
Caused by beta lactamase–producing isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.
Limitations Of Use
When susceptibility test results show susceptibility to amoxicillin, indicating no beta-lactamase production, Augmentin should not be used.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Augmentin (Amoxicillin Clavulanate).
Patient Usage: How Does Augmentin Clavulanate Work In the Body?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Amoxicillin fights bacteria in the body.
Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid, which is similar to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium fights bacteria that is often resistant to penicillins and other antibiotics.
The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium 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.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Augmentin (Amoxicillin Clavulanate).
