Augmentin XR is an extended release formulation consisting of a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-derived antibiotic and is used to injure or kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Clavulanate acts to extend and enhance the action of the amoxicillin by blocking the function of an enzyme that some penicillin-resistant bacteria use to inactivate antibiotics. This combination medication is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections of the respiratory system, sinuses, skin and urinary tract. Side effects of Augmentin XR are generally mild. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Augmentin XR reports that in randomized clinical trials, only 2 percent of the participants chose to terminate treatment due to drug- related side effects.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect caused by antibiotics in general, and usually resolves when the course of antibiotic treatment is finished. In clinical trials, GlaxoSmithKline researchers found that 14.5 percent of patients treated with Augmentin XR experienced some degree of diarrhea. Antibiotics cause gastrointestinal distress by altering the balance of microbial populations normally present in the gut by reducing populations of susceptible microbes and allowing the overgrowth of others. In the vast majority of cases, these side effects subside after treatment ends.
Yeast Infection
The vagina, similarly to the digestive tract, hosts many beneficial microorganisms, notes MayoClinic.com. A course of an antibiotic like Augmentin XR can decrease the normal bacterial population in the vagina, which in some cases, causes the fungus Candida to proliferate. The result is a yeast infection, symptoms of which include vaginal discomfort and an odorless white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese. In GlaxoSmithKline clinical trials for Augmentin XR, 3.3 percent of the female participants reported a yeast infection.
Hypersensitivity
Penicillin allergy is the most common drug allergy, notes MayoClinic.com. This allergy extends to antibiotics that are derived from penicillin, such as the amoxicillin, which is found in Augmentin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include anemia, severe skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swollen lips and tongue. Some extremely sensitive individuals can have an anaphylactic response, which includes symptoms such as wheezing, drop in blood pressure, swelling of the tongue or throat and loss of consciousness. These severe reactions generally will occur shortly after exposure to the drug. If an allergic reaction is suspected, those affected should seek immediately medical attention as this can be life threatening. Individuals who have a history of allergic reactions to penicillin or penicillin-related antibiotics should not take Augmentin XR.
Clostridium Difficile Disease
In some populations, such as the elderly or seriously ill individuals who are required to take antibiotics for long periods of time, antibiotic-induced alterations in microbial balance can lead to more serious conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The overgrowth of the a common organism called Clostridium difficile can lead to colitis, sepsis and even death in at-risk populations. This type of complication is extremely uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, nausea, fever, loss of appetite and abdominal pain or tenderness, and can commence even after antibiotic treatment finishes. Disease conditions related to overgrowth of Clostridium difficile are treated by administering a different antibiotic.
Rarely Observed Side Effects
Effects on the central nervous system, such as headache, dizziness, insomnia or behavioral changes, are reported rarely in conjunction with the administration of Augmentin XR. Tooth discoloration is reported in some pediatric populations, but resolves over time with dental cleaning. Liver and kidney dysfunction is sometimes observed; however, these side effects are generally associated with overdose, serious underlying disease or interaction with other medications, notes GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer.
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