Augmentin is a combination antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections. Amoxicillin and clavulanate are the two medications combined to make the brand-name medication Augmentin. A physician must write a prescription to dispense the medicine because it is not available over-the-counter. The medication is safe for children and adults to use for treating an infection. You should take all doses in the prescription to completely treat the infection and avoid the possibility of the bacteria becoming resistant to the medication in the future.
Use
Augmentin treats bacterial infections in the body. The medication is not effective on viruses, such as the common cold or the flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medical conditions commonly treated with Augmentin include urinary tract infections, ear infections, sinus infections, skin infections and infections involving the lungs, such as pneumonia.
Availability
Available as an oral medicine, Augmentin may be dispensed as a tablet, a chewable tablet or an oral suspension. An extended-release tablet is also available.
Dosage
The commonly prescribed dosing for Augmentin is twice daily for 10 days. The medicine is most effective when the medication level remains constant, so taking the medicine every 12 hours is best. The exact dosage strength depends on the patient's size and the infection needing treatment. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor to clear up the infection. You can take Augmentin with or without food. Unless the tablet is chewable, do not crush or break the medication before swallowing.
Storage
Store Augmentin tablets at room temperature. The liquid solution needs refrigeration.
Side Effects
A common side effect of Augmentin includes gastrointestinal distress. You may experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea during use. Serious side effects of Augmentin include fever, chills, bloody stool and skin irritation. You may experience an allergic reaction while taking Augmentin. Symptoms of an allergy to the medication include, but are not limited to, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or airway, difficulty breathing, an increase in heart rate or hives.
Precautions
Some individuals should not take Augmentin. If you have an allergy to penicillin, you must avoid this medication because it contains the same antibiotic. If you have a history of liver problems, suffer from mononucleosis or take other antibiotics, you need to alert your physician before taking Augmentin.
