Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic comprised of two components, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic used for a variety of bacterial infections, including ear, upper respiratory, urinary tract and skin infections. Clavulanate potassium added to amoxicillin fights against bacteria resistant to amoxicillin. Do not use Augmentin if you are allergic to penicillin or have a history of severe liver or kidney disease.
Penicillin Allergy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 to 10 percent of adults in the United States are allergic to penicillin. Symptoms that you are having an allergic reaction to penicillin can range from mild itching to fatal anaphylaxis. In cases of anaphylaxis, you may experience trouble breathing due to swelling of the throat, tongue, face or lips. If left untreated, you can go into shock. Because of the severity and quick onset of anaphylaxis, patients experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Tell your doctor if you have a history of penicillin allergy so he may prescribe an alternative antibiotic.
Liver Disease
The liver partially eliminates the clavulanate potassium component of Augmentin. If you have liver disease, your body may not be able to adequately eliminate clavulanate potassium, resulting in Augmentin-induced liver disease. This occurs when a hypersensitivity reaction causes cholestasis, a blockage of bile flow from the liver into the small intestine. Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, itching nausea, fatigue and fever. Most patients fully recover within one to eight weeks, but there are case reports of permanent liver damage. If you have a history of hepatitis or jaundice, notify your doctor before taking Augmentin.
Severe Kidney Disease
The kidneys eliminate both components of Augmentin. Extended-release Augmentin releases slowly in the body; if you have kidney disease and are unable to eliminate Augmentin properly, it can accumulate in the body and lead to adverse effects. Patients are on hemodialysis or who have severe kidney disease should not take the extended-release formulation of Augmentin.
