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Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (By mouth)

Amoxicillin (a-mox-i-SIL-in), Clavulanate Potassium (KLAV-ue-la-nate poe-TAS-ee-um)

Treats infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or similar medicines, or if you have a history of liver problems.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food. However, it is best to take this medicine at the start of a meal or snack to avoid an upset stomach.
  • Chewable tablets: Chew the tablet completely before you swallow it.
  • If you or your child are unable to swallow the tablets whole, you may use the oral liquid.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the oral liquid before using. Rinse the spoon or dropper after each use.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Tablet, extended-release tablet, chewable tablet: Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Throw away any unused oral liquid after 10 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using allopurinol, probenecid, birth control pills, or a blood thinner (including warfarin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or mononucleosis (mono).
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
    • Liver problems
  • Birth control pills may not work as well while you are taking this medicine. Use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
  • The chewable tablet and oral liquid contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before you use this medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Bloody or watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diaper rash
  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Tooth discoloration (in children)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 4/23/2024

 
 
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