What is Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) used for?

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) is an oral penicillin antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It operates by destroying bacteria cells or slowing or stopping their reproduction making it easier for the immune system to control or eliminate the infection. This medication is commonly used to treat bacterial infections affecting the middle ear, abdomen, soft tissues, skin, upper respiratory tract, lungs, urinary tract, or blood. Your doctor may prescribe this medication to be used along with others or for the treatment of other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate)?

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) should always be used according to your doctor`s instructions to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one tablet taken once or twice each day, but your particular instructions will be determined according to your age, weight, health condition, the condition being treated, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and a meal to prevent nausea. Do not change the form of the tablets by crushing, splitting, or chewing them as this may destroy or change the effects of their contents. Never stop using the medication before being told to do so, even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared, as the infection may not be gone and can return stronger or more resistant to treatment. Ask your doctor any questions you have about using the medicine to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate)?

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• Headaches
• Indigestion or diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Black, swollen, or "hairy" tongue

Contact your doctor immediately if any serious or worrying symptoms occur such as fever, flu symptoms, severe diarrhoea that is bloody or watery, swollen glands, sensitive skin, easier bruising, tingling sensations, numbness, darkened urine, discoloured stools, jaundice, or severe skin rashes. These conditions may require lower doses, reduced frequency of administration, or immediate medical attention in serious or life threatening cases to prevent further health complications from occurring.

Please Note

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) should not be administered to patients who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, cephalosporin antibiotics, or who have had a bad reaction to similar treatments in the past. Also inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies, suspected glandular fever, or reduced kidney function as these conditions may require special alterations to your treatment to prevent unexpected health complications from occurring.

Strictly use Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) as prescribed and follow all instructions provided by your doctor. Safe, suitable, and optimum dosage can vary and is dependent on the patient`s health and medical history, as well as the condition you are treating.

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.