Amox-Clav is a medication made up of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. It is often abbreviated as Amox-Clav or is sold under the brand name Augmentin in the United States. Amox-Clav is part of the antibiotic family and is prescribed to treat bacterial infections. It functions by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth, explains the Mayo Clinic. As with any medication, Amox-Clav has the potential for side effects.
Signs of Allergy
Amox-Clav is a penicillin-based medication. Individuals with known allergies to amoxicillin, penicillin or any other drug in this family should not take Amox-Clav. Signs of allergic reaction can include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the tongue or lips and/or swelling of the throat. These symptoms, as suggested by Drugs.com, indicate severe allergy and could result in anaphylactic shock, which could be fatal. Individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they experience these side effects.
Common Side Effects
Some mild side effects are common with the use of Amox-Clav. If the symptoms become bothersome or persistent, you should seek medical attention. The common side effects, pointed out by Drugs.com, include mild diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, itching of the skin, white lesions in the mouth or throat, and vaginal yeast infection symptoms. Women should also use a back-up method of birth control if they are using a hormonal birth control pill. The effectiveness of the pill will be diminished during antibiotic treatment. Younger patients may develop mild tooth discoloration, according to RxList.com.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects or reactions when using Amox-Clav are rare, but in the event that they do occur, medical attention is necessary. Drugs.com suggests the following side effects to be serious: severe watery diarrhea containing blood, pale or yellowed skin, darkened urine, fever, confusion, weakness, bruising easily, bleeding easily, skin rash with bruising or tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, mental effects like confusion, seizures, and severe blistering or peeling of the skin. Some other rare side effects may include unusual thoughts or behavior, clay-colored stools, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and a sore throat.
RxList.com points out that in rare cases other side effects may be reported. These may include anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, serious skin rash including skin loss, blackened tongue, and symptoms resembling colitis.
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