Augmentin is an antibiotics that is indicated for the treatment of bacterial infections. Augmentin is composed of two chemicals, amoxicillin and clavulanate, which work in synergy to treat ear infections, sinus infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, skin infections and lower respiratory track infections. It is approved for use in the pediatric and adult population. Augmentin is a branded (trade) name of the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical company. The generic name of Augmentin is amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Composition of Augmentin
Amoxicillin is also marketed to be used alone as a mono-therapy and is a good choice for certain bacterial infections. However, some forms of bacteria have evolved and grown resistant to amoxicillin, requiring a need for different antibiotics. Clavulanate, when added to amoxicillin, inhibits the resistant process and make amoxicillin more effective against bacteria. Amoxicillin/clavulanate is not formulated in equal ratios and so doses should not be doubled. For instance, brand and generic Augmentin 250 mg and Augmentin 500 mg are both composed of 125 mg of clavulanate, even though they consist of 250mg and 500mg of amoxicillin, respectively.
Generic Equivalents
When new drugs are developed, the FDA grants the developer some years of exclusive marketing and production. When the years expire, the drug is considered to have lost its patent, and the FDA grants permission to other pharmaceutical manufacturers to make the generic form of the drug. Both generic and brand names drugs are equally efficacious, however, generic drugs are usually cheaper since their FDA approval process is shorter and less expensive. Since Augmentin is composed of amoxicillin and clavulanate, all generic forms of it must have the same components in the same strength and ratio to be considered a generically equivalent drug. All generic medication must also be approved by the FDA prior to marketing.
Brand-Name Augmentin
GlaxoSmithKline markets Augmentin in suspension, coated tablets, chewable tablets and oral tablets. Several other manufacturers make generic Augmentin in the same formulation. Manufacturers of generic Augmentin drug have an option of giving their product a unique name or using the common name of amoxicillin/clavulanate on their product packaging.
Augmentin Generic Manufacturers
Pharmaceutical manufacturers of generic Augmentin in the United States include Westward (Amoclan), Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Apotex, Sandoz, Woodhardt, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Par Pharmaceuticals.
Other Considerations
Brand and generic Augmentin have a similar side effect profile. The most common side effect of Augmentin brand and generic drug is gastrointestinal issues including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Other side effects include rash, including diaper rash, yeast infections, liver toxicity, hives, itching, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing.
