Side Effects Of 875mg Augmentin

Augmentin 875mg is an antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial upper respiratory tract infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, and ear infections. Some of the organisms Augmentin is effective against are haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. There have been side effects reported by users of 875mg Augmentin.

General Side Effects

A common side effect of taking Augmentin 875mg is an upset stomach. Nausea may occur, and occasionally symptoms are severe enough to cause vomiting. Take Augmentin with meals as this not only decreases gastrointestinal upset, but helps with the absorption of the medication.

Augmentin can cause diarrhea, as well. Eating plain yogurt with live and active culture on a daily basis while taking Augmentin 875mg can help minimize this adverse reaction. Notify your physician if symptoms continue for two or more days, or if they are severe.

Commonly, Augmentin 875mg can cause a vaginal yeast infection. Female patients taking Augmentin should report symptoms of thick, non-odorous vaginal discharge, vaginal inflammation and itching to a health care provider.

Rare Side Effects

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that patients with a history of renal or hepatic impairment should not use, or should use caution, when taking Augmentin 875mg. Augmentin has the potential to cause organ toxicity; kidneys, liver, and the hematopoietic system (blood cell production) might be affected. The NIH advises that baseline lab values to assess kidney, liver and hematopoietic function should be conducted prior to beginning therapy, especially if long-term use is expected. Rare symptoms of organ toxicity include elevated liver function tests, glomerulonephritis (diminished kidney filtering ability), and agranulocytosis (severe anemia).

Sensitivity and Allergic Reaction

Augmentin 875mg is derived from penicillin; therefore persons allergic to penicillin should not take Augmentin. People with a history of a hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reactions) to cephalosporin drugs might also be allergic to Augmentin. Careful monitoring during initial administration of Augmentin to assess for sensitivity is advised.

Symptoms of an allergy to Augmentin 875mg include an itchy rash, which typically develops a couple of days after starting the medication, and possibly fever, generalized itching and wheezing. Any of these symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately.

Augmentin, especially the extended-release form, can cause a generalized erythematous (redness across the body) raised rash. This rash, referred to as an ampicillin rash, is usually mild and not due to a hypersensitivity reaction. However, the occurrence of such a rash should be reported to a physician until an allergic reaction is ruled out.