GlaxoSmithKline manufactures Augmentin, a combination drug that contains both amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics, while clavulanate reduces bacterial resistance to the antibiotic effects of the amoxicillin. Together, the two components provide effective treatment for respiratory infections like sinusitis or ear infections, as well as skin and urinary tract infections, says Drugs.com. Augmentin is available in a variety of formulations and dosages for both children and adults.
Oral Suspension
Augmentin is available in four oral suspension doses: 125 mg/5 ml, 200 mg/ml, 250 mg/5 ml and 400 mg/5 ml, according to RxList. Each of these oral suspensions is manufactured with carefully calculated amounts of amoxicillin and clavulanate; 5 ml, or 1 tsp., of the 125 mg/5 ml suspension, for example, contains 125 mg of amoxicillin and 31.25 mg of clavulanate, while 5 ml of the 400 mg/5 ml formulation includes 250 mg of amoxicillin and 57 mg of clavulanate.
Chewable Tablets
GlaxoSmithKline created a chewable tablet form of Augmentin that works well for children and adults who can't swallow tablets. Available in 125, 200, 250 and 400 mg formulations, chewable Augmentin also includes variable amounts of clavulanate. The 125 mg chewable tablet, for example, holds 31.25 mg of clavulanate, compared to 28.5 mg of clavulanate in the 200 mg pill.
Regular Tablets
Augmentin regular oral tablets are available in three doses: 250, 500 and 875 mg. All three of these tablets contain 125 mg of clavulanate, with the 250, 500 and 875 mg reflecting the dose of amoxicillin in each pill, according to RxList. Because the clavulanate dose remains constant while the amount of amoxicillin varies, two tablets of Augmentin 250 mg are not equivalent to 500 mg of Augmentin.
Extended Release Tablets
GlaxoSmithKline also produces an extended release form of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium known as Augmentin XR. This product contains 1 g of amoxicillin along with 62.5 mg of clavulanate. The larger dose of amoxicillin works over a longer period of time than the lower doses of amoxicillin in regular Augmentin oral tablets.
