The antibiotic Augmentin is prescribed for treating bacterial infections, while echinacea is an herbal remedy used for various health conditions. You might be considering using them together because echinacea is purported to be helpful for certain infections that Augmentin also treats. The two apparently do not interact with each other, but both are associated with some negative effects. Ask your doctor about taking echinacea if you are also taking Augmentin or any other medication.
Augmentin
Augmentin is a brand name for a combination of amoxicillin, which is a type of penicillin, and clavulanate potassium, an antibiotic similar to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium is effective against some bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Doctors prescribe Augmentin to treat bacterial infections such as bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia and urinary tract infections, as detailed by Drugs.com.
Echinacea
People once used echinacea to treat bacterial infections such as syphilis and diphtheria before the advent of antibiotics. Echinacea continues to have a role in herbal medicine for decreasing symptoms and shortening the duration of the common cold and flu, and for stimulating the immune system. Alternative health practitioners might recommend echinacea for some conditions that Augmentin treats, including ear infections, sinusitis and urinary tract infections. Laboratory and animal research shows that echinacea contains chemical components that have antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and immune-enhancing effects, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Although Drugs.com does not report an interaction between Augmentin and echinacea, Augmentin and echinacea both interact with numerous other medications and supplements. An interaction means one substance alters the activity or the concentration of the other substance in the body. Ask your doctor about any possible interactions before you take Augmentin or echinacea. In addition, Augmentin can cause side effects, the most common being gas, stomach pain, mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and an oral or vaginal yeast infection, as listed by Drugs.com.
Allergic Reactions
Both Augmentin and echinacea cause allergic reactions in some people, although the occurrence with echinacea is rare, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Signs of an allergic reaction to these substances include itching or a skin rash, throat tightening or shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction while taking Augmentin or echinacea, because it can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Augmentin also can cause severe skin reactions in some people, so even a mild rash calls for immediate medical attention.
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