Specification | |
US Brand Name | Augmentin |
Strength | 500-125mg |
Generic Name | Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid |
Manufacturer | GSK |
Pharmaceutical Form | Tablet/s |
Amoxicillin
and Clavulanic acid is a combination product. This is a combination antibiotic
that consists of two ingredients:
Amoxicillin
trihydrate, a B-lactum antibiotic
Clavulanic
acid , a B-lactamase inhibitor
The
combination of these two products is used to treat various infections caused by
bacteria. Antibiotics are not meant to fight viral infections like cold, flu
etc. the bacterial infections such as that of ears, lungs, sinus, skin, and
urinary tract etc. can be treated using this combination drug.
Understanding the drug:
How
it works?
This
drug consists of a combination of two products amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid.
Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Amoxicillin is penicillin
like antibiotic. While on the other hand Clavulanic acid works by stopping the
bacteria from destroying the amoxicillin.
When
should you avoid it?
You
should not take this drug if you:
§ Are allergic to
amoxicillin or penicillin or any other antibiotic or Clavulanic acid
§ Are pregnant or planning
to have a baby
§ Are a breastfeeding
mother
§ Have or ever had kidney
problems or any kind of liver problems
§ Have asthma or hay fever
§ Are taking oral
contraceptives as this drug may inhibit the action the oral contraceptives. So,
consult your doctor about that too.
§ Are below 16 years of age
What
are the strengths available?
The
following strengths of the combination product are available:
Cipmox
CV 625(500+125) mg
Augmentin
1000 ( 875-125 mg)
Augmentin
625 (500-125 mg)
Augmentin
dry syrup 30 ml
Augmentin-375
(250/125 mg)
Who
is the manufacturer?
Augmentin
products are manufactured by GSK and the Cipmox is manufactured by Cipla, both
leading pharmaceutical companies. The products are available in various pack
sizes on our website.
How
much to take?
Dosage
depends upon your age, weight, medical condition and your response to the
treatment. Hence doctor will decide your dose. Take the dose exactly as
prescribed by the doctor. Never take two 250 mg tablets to substitute one 500
mg tablets.
How
to take?
The
drug comes in various forms like chewable tablets, tablets and syrups. The drug
is usually recommended to be taken with the meal or snack. The tablets can be
swallowed easily with a glass of water; chewable tablets should be thoroughly
chewed before they are swallowed. Syrup bottle should be properly shaken before
each dose and should be carefully measured using a measuring device or spoon.
Do not use household spoon as it may give incorrect measurements.
When
to take?
The
doctor usually recommends it either three time a day after every eight hours or
two times a day after every 12 hours. Take the dose as prescribed by him. It is
recommends that the dose should be taken with the meal or snack or right after
it .
For
how long should it be taken?
You
should take the dose until you finish the prescription. Do not change the dose
or stop it even if you feel better. You should complete the dose.
What
if you take too much (overdose)?
You
may require urgent medical help in this situation. In such a case visit nearest
healthcare center or call your doctor immediately.
What
if you miss the dose?
In
case you forget to take the dose, skip the dose and take the next dose on the
recommended time period if it’s too late but if it’s less than 1 hour of the
meal then go and take it. Do not double up the dose for the missed one.
What
are the side effects?
Tell
your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
§ Severe skin rash
§ Mild skin rash
§ Itching
§ Vaginal itching and
discharge
§ Hives
§ Vomiting
§ Diarrhea
§ Upset stomach
§ Yellowing of the skin or
eyes
§ Difficulty breathing or
swallowing
§ Wheezing
In
above cases you must go for immediate medical help. Do not get alarmed
by the list. You may /may not experience all of them. Tell your doctor
immediately in the above situations.
Are
there any possible drug interactions?
Certain
other drugs can interact with amoxicillin and increase the risk of serious
muscle problems. So it is necessary to consult your doctor about the following
drugs such as:
§ BCG Vaccine Live
§ Demeclocycline
§ Doxycycline
§ Lymecycline
§ Minocycline
§ Mycophenolate
§ Oxytetracycline
§ Probenecid
§ Tetracycline
§ Typhoid Vaccine Live
What
are the things to be taken care of?
§ Do not share this
medicine with anyone else even if he has same symptoms as you do.
§ Do not use this
medication for any other infection without referring to the doctor.
§ In case you do not feel
comfort after completing the dose prescribed by the doctor then consult with
your doctor immediately.
§ The safety and efficacy
of this drug is not established in children below 16 years of age.
§ Do not freeze the medicine
and store the medicine at room temperature.