Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) Antibiotic Tablets
Augmentin is a prescription oral combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is used in adults and children for respiratory, urinary, dental, skin and intra-abdominal infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
- Active ingredients
- Amoxicillin , Clavulanate
- Manufacturer
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Dosage forms
- tablet, extended-release tablet, oral suspension, chewable tablet
- Available dosages
- 500/125mg, 875/125mg, 1000/62.5mg
- Category
- Antibiotics
What is it?
Augmentin is the original brand of the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (clavulanate), marketed by GlaxoSmithKline since 1981. It is supplied as oral tablets, extended-release tablets, oral suspension, chewable tablets and parenteral solution. Multiple authorised generics are widely available, and the combination is part of the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines.
Active ingredients
Each tablet contains amoxicillin (as the trihydrate) and clavulanate (as the potassium salt) as the two active ingredients. Common ratios include 500/125mg, 875/125mg and 1000/62.5mg in extended-release tablets. Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic aminopenicillin and clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects amoxicillin from enzymatic hydrolysis.
Forms and dosages
Augmentin is administered orally with food to improve tolerability and clavulanate absorption. According to the prescribing information, the usual adult dose is 500/125mg every 8 hours or 875/125mg every 12 hours, depending on the indication. Paediatric dosing is weight-based using oral suspension. Dose reduction is required in significant renal impairment.
Indications
Augmentin is approved in adults and children for the treatment of respiratory tract infections including acute otitis media, sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, urinary tract infections, dental infections, skin and soft tissue infections and intra-abdominal infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. According to international guidelines, the addition of clavulanate extends the spectrum of amoxicillin to many resistant strains.
How it works
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), but is hydrolysed by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some resistant bacteria. Clavulanate is itself a weak antibiotic but acts as a suicide inhibitor of beta-lactamase, protecting amoxicillin from enzymatic degradation. This combination restores activity against many beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Augmentin sometimes preferred over plain amoxicillin? ▾
Plain amoxicillin is inactivated by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by many strains of common pathogens. The clavulanate component of Augmentin inhibits these enzymes, restoring activity against resistant bacteria such as some H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. aureus and anaerobes. According to international guidelines, Augmentin is preferred when beta-lactamase-producing bacteria are likely or have been confirmed.
Does Augmentin cause more diarrhoea than amoxicillin? ▾
Yes. The clavulanate component is associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects, particularly diarrhoea, than plain amoxicillin. According to the prescribing information, taking Augmentin with food can reduce gastrointestinal intolerance. Severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly with mucus or blood, requires evaluation for Clostridioides difficile-associated colitis.
What if I miss a dose? ▾
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate. According to the prescribing information, regular dosing intervals are important for maintaining therapeutic plasma concentrations and reducing the risk of resistance.
Can children take Augmentin? ▾
Yes. Augmentin is widely used in paediatrics, with weight-based dosing defined in the prescribing information. Oral suspension and chewable tablets facilitate paediatric administration. According to international guidelines, Augmentin is used for paediatric infections such as acute otitis media, sinusitis and complicated urinary tract infections, particularly when resistant bacteria are likely.
What are the main contraindications for Augmentin? ▾
Augmentin is contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to amoxicillin, clavulanate, other penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics, and in patients with previous Augmentin-associated cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction. Caution is required in renal impairment, infectious mononucleosis (where rash is common) and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to the prescribing information, the medical history must be reviewed by a clinician before any prescription.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.