Augmentin, Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate Potassium

Amoxicillin

Uses

Amoxicillin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections

How it Works

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic, Amoxicillin kills the bacterial infection by attacking their cell wall. Specifically, Amoxicillin prevents the synthesis of a substance in the cell wall called peptidoglycan, which then provides the cell wall with the strength required for survival of bacteria in human body.

Common Side effects

Patients who take Amoxicillin may suffer from such side effects;

Nausea,
Allergic reaction,
Vomiting,
Skin Rash,
Diarrhoea

Clavulanate Potassium

Uses

Potassium Clavulanate is used in the treatment of bacterial infections and the symptoms it may cause.

How it Works

Potassium clavulanate works by blocking the action of the enzymes which are produced by the bacterial cells around the infected area to inactivate the antibiotics which help to cure the infection.

Common Side effects

Some of the potential side effects of Clavulanate Potassium can include the symptoms below;

Diarrhoea,
Fever,
Increased transaminase level in blood,
Maculopapular rash,
Urticaria

Introduction

Augmentin, Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate Potassium tablets are antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections. They may be used in the treatment of bacterial infections in different parts of the body. They can be prescribed to help treat bacterial infections of the intestine, soft tissue, blood, skin, etc. Dentists also usually prescribe this particular drug to patients after dental procedures. This drug is popular as it effectively controls bacterial infections.

Use

This drug is often prescribed to patients who are suffering from certain bacterial infections. This drug is a combination of penicillin-class antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor, which is often prescribed to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. It can be used in the treatment of infections of the skin and respiratory tract. It may also be prescribed for the treatment of conditions like bronchitis, ear infections, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, etc. This drug is usually available in tablet form.

Dosage and administration

Often, the tablets are to be taken orally, before meals, along with a glass of water. The dosage can vary from 1 tablet, twice a day, to 1 tablet, three times a day, as recommended by the physician. Patients need to strictly follow the dosage that has been prescribed by the doctor. The doctor would advise patients on the proper use of this drug.

Warning

Before being prescribed this medication, inform the doctor of your complete medical history, whether you suffer or have suffered from any liver ailments, kidney disease, diabetes, etc. The doctor would then determine if this medication is right for you.
Inform the doctor if have any existing or past allergies to any substances as the medication may have such substances in its composition. In case you experience any allergies or discomfort while using this medication, stop using this medication and consult the doctor immediately.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers are to use this medication only if it has been prescribed by the doctor.
While on this drug, severe diarrhoea may occur in some patients.
Skin rashes or other allergic conditions should be considered as good reasons for the withdrawal of this drug, and it should not be given to the patient anymore.

Side effects

Any kind of side effect symptoms experienced should be immediately informed to the doctor so that the doctor can follow-up accordingly. Some of the common side effects encountered while on this medication are,

Anaphylactic reactions,
Hematuria,
Hypersensitivity reactions,
Pseudomembranous colitis, and
Liver and nervous system problems.

In case you experience any of the common or serious side effects that are listed above, allergies, or discomfort while using this medication, stop using this medication and consult the doctor immediately. The doctor will then re-evaluate the use of this medication for you.