Augmentin, a combination penicillin-like drug that contains amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, is widely prescribed for a variety of infections caused by specific strains of bacteria. Amoxicillin is an oral antibiotic that works by destroying bacteria, while the clavulanate helps to neutralize substances that make amoxicillin less effective, states Drugs.com.
How It Works
Many common infections are caused by a group of bacteria that produce a substance called beta-lactamase that keeps amoxicillin from doing its job. The clavulanate in Augmentin inhibits the action of the beta-lactamase, giving the amoxicillin a chance to kill the disease-causing bacteria, notes the Daily Med website. Augmentin can be prescribed for patients with known or suspected beta-lactamase-producing bacterial infections.
Susceptible Organisms
While it's not always possible to do a laboratory culture and sensitivity test on everyone with a bacterial infection, doctors will consider the disease-causing organisms common in the community when choosing an antibiotic. Augmentin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works well against both gram positive and gram negative organisms, according to the Daily Med website. These include Staphylococcus aureus, several species of Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, various types of Klebsiella and Moraxella catarrhalis. Augmentin is a drug of choice for infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of these bacteria.
Types of Infection
Doctors may prescribe Augmentin for infections of the sinuses, ears, throat, urinary tract and skin or skin structures, explains RxList.com. Augmentin works well for many infections of the upper respiratory tract, from the trachea down to the air sacs in the lungs; these include bronchitis and pneumonia.
Dosage Forms
Because it's manufactured in a wide variety of dosage forms and strengths, Augmentin can be prescribed for infections in all age groups. GlaxoSmithKline produces oral drops for infants, oral suspensions and chewable tablets for children, regular tablets for those who can swallow pills whole, and extended-release tablets that release the drug components slowly throughout the day.
Contraindications
People who are allergic to penicillin or other penicillin-like drugs should not take Augmentin. These drugs include ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin and carbenicillin, notes RxList.com. People who are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics like cephalexin, cefdinir and cefprozil have a higher risk of developing an allergy to Augmentin. All patients should discuss their drug allergies with their doctors before taking any antibiotics.
