Side Effects Of Augmentin Tablets

Augmentin, an oral antibiotic, is a combination of two medicines: amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic, and clavulanate is a potassium salt. Together, these medications are effective in treating many types of upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and ear infections.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Augmentin is related to penicillin. Therefore, any person allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to Augmentin and should avoid taking it. People who have demonstrated a hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reactions) to cephalosporin may also be allergic to Augmentin. Careful monitoring during initial administration of Augmentin to assess for sensitivity is advised.
If a person is allergic to Augmentin an itchy rash may develop a couple of days after starting the drug (SeeReferences2). Other symptoms that may accompany the rash would be fever, generalized itching, and wheezing (SeeReferences2). Any of these symptoms should be reported to a physician and Augmentin should be stopped until further advised.
Augmentin may also cause a very red, raised rash that covers the entire body. This rash is often referred to as ampicillin rash (SeeReferences2). This rash is usually mild and not due to hypersensitivity; however, it should be reported to a physician until an allergic reaction is ruled out (SeeReferences2).

General Adverse Reactions

Augmentin commonly causes an upset stomach. Nausea and vomiting can occur. The best way to minimize this adverse reaction is to take Augmentin with food. Doing this not only decreases gastrointestinal upset, but it also helps the body absorb the medication better.
Use of Augmentin can cause diarrhea. To minimize this, patients should avoid diets high in sugar. Consuming plain yogurt with live and active cultures may also help control this adverse reaction.
Augmentin may cause candidal vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection). Women taking Augmentin should report symptoms of non-odorous vaginal discharge, vaginal inflammation and itching to their physician.
DailyMed advises that patients with a history of kidney or blood cell impairment should use Augmentin with extreme caution, or not at all. DailyMed also suggests that Augmentin has the potential for organ toxicity; baseline lab values to assess kidney, liver and hematopoietic (blood cell production) function should be conducted, especially for long-term use. Monitor for elevated liver function tests, glomerulonephritis (affects kidney filtering ability) and severe anemia. These conditions are rare but serious.

Interference with Diagnostic Tests

Augmentin may interfere with certain urinary glucose tests. Patients using such tests for monitoring urinary glucose should notify their physician and the lab performing the test to avoid false readings.