$Unique_ID{BRK01826}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANIC ACID COMBINATION}
$Subject{Augmentin (Beecham)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Augmentin*0182601.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANIC ACID COMBINATION
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Augmentin (Beecham)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     Samoxicillin and clavulanic acid
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (500 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid; 250 mg
       amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid)
     Chewable tablets (125 mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg clavulanic acid; 250 mg
       amoxicillin and 62.5 mg clavulanic acid)
     Oral suspension (125 mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg clavulanic acid per 5-ml
       spoonful; 250 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 mg clavulanic acid per 5-ml
       spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets should be stored at room
       temperature in a tightly closed container.  The oral suspension should
       be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container.  Any
       unused portion of the suspension should be discarded after ten days
       because the drug loses its potency after that time.  This drug should
       never be frozen.

USES

     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination is used to treat a wide
variety of bacterial infections, including infections of the middle ear, skin,
sinuses, lower respiratory tract, and urinary tract.  Amoxicillin is an
antibiotic that acts by severely injuring the cell membranes of infecting
bacteria, thereby preventing them from growing and multiplying.  Clavulanic
acid has no antibacterial activity.  It acts to prevent the breakdown of
amoxicillin in the body.
     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination kills susceptible bacteria,
but it is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination can be taken either on an
empty stomach or with food or milk (in order to prevent stomach upset).
     The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before
measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle,
so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly
and to equalize the doses.  Each dose should then be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor (usually seven to ten days), even if the symptoms of
infection disappear before the end of that period.  If you stop taking the
drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given the chance to continue growing,
and the infection could recur.
     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid combination works best when the level of
medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take
the doses of this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and
night.  For example, if you are to take three doses a day, the doses should be
spaced eight hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, take the missed dose; space the next dose about
halfway through the regular interval between doses; and then return to your
regular schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, gas, headache, heartburn,
nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to this medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or prolonged diarrhea, chills, cough, darkened tongue, difficulty in
breathing, fever, irritation of the mouth, itching, muscle aches, rash, rectal
or vaginal itching, sore throat, or unusual bleeding or bruising.  Also, if
your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you
should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can interact with several other types of
medications:
     1. Probenecid can increase the blood concentration of amoxicillin.
     2. Amoxicillin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
a different or additional form of birth control while taking this medication.
Discuss this with your doctor.
     3. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can increase the risk of side effects
with disulfiram (Antabuse).
     4. The risk of skin rash is increased when amoxicillin and allopurinol
are taken concurrently.
     Before starting this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about all of
the medications you are currently taking, especially any of the medications
listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin,
cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillamine, griseofulvin, or clavulanic acid.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had allergies,
asthma, kidney disease, or mononucleosis.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.  A
subsequent infection, or one that someone else has, may require a different
medication.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use it to
treat other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Diabetics taking amoxicillin should know that this drug may cause a
false-positive sugar reaction with a Clinitest urine glucose test.  To avoid
this problem while taking amoxicillin, you should switch to Clinistix or
Tes-Tape to test your urine for sugar.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although amoxicillin
and clavulanic acid combination appears to be safe during pregnancy, studies
in humans have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this medication pass into breast
milk and may cause diarrhea in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
