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Amoxicillin / clavulanate and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

Brand names: Augmentin, Amoclan, Augmentin XR

Reviews for Amoxicillin / clavulanate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Shi...
  • March 1, 2021

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Sinusitis "Went to the ER two times with what later I learned was a severe sinus infection. My Dr. gave me Augmentin, and although much better after a week, it isn’t gone. I took it with yogurt and probiotics because the first couple of days I had cramping and diarrhea. That helped tremendously."

10 / 10
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  • mom...
  • December 18, 2014

For Strep Throat "Was given this medicine for strep throat, prescribed 875 mg twice daily; I was in so much pain I seriously felt like crying every time I had to swallow or tried eating or drinking anything! My tonsils were huge, very inflamed and red with white blister-like spots. I went to Walgreens little clinic Sunday morning and started this medicine that afternoon. By the morning of day 3, my throat felt 10 times better! Amazing, by the end of day 3; needless to say, the medicine was definitely doing its job great, UNTIL it hit me that Friday, the nightmare started of bubble guts, diarrhea, and the most awful foul-smelling gas ever! Severe diarrhea, 13 hours and counting."

8 / 10
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  • and...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 24, 2022

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "On July 10, 2022, I woke with a 103.5 fever. I had an open wound on my lower left leg. I am 63 years old and suffer from venous stasis. I went to the shower to change my bandaging and saw the wound spread to the top of my foot overnight, and it was all black. I went to the ER and was admitted immediately. I was seen by an infectious disease specialist, vascular specialist, internist, plastic surgeon, and medical doctors. They were so concerned about gangrene and my losing my leg. Thank God it was cellulitis, but I also had sepsis. I was hospitalized for 6 days, and they had me on IV antibiotics the whole time. When released, they prescribed Amox & Clav 875-125 mg, along with Cipro 500 mg. Today is 7/23/22, and in 13 days my leg looks so much better. I still have a ways to go for the wounds to heal, but the infection that was so bad is almost gone. The only side effect for me is loose stools, but I will gladly deal with this to get better. I think this is a great combo of antibiotics. God bless."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • abe...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 29, 2016

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Sinusitis "Have frequent sinus infections and have been prescribed Augmentin XR whenever I have a severe sinus infection for about the past 17 years now. It always has done the job and taken care of the infection. The only downside is the GI side effects (i.e., stomach cramps, diarrhea, etc.)."

10 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 14, 2017

For Strep Throat "Everyone take a note that anytime you take an antibiotic, you should take a probiotic to help your digestive health. A lot of antibiotics cause diarrhea and can turn severe without proper technique. Take into account too that eating or consuming any dairy product with an antibiotic is a huge no-no! I cannot stress how many times people have done that, complaining about frequent loose bowel movements that sometimes lead to accidents. By the third day, if you don't recognize progression, go back to the doctor immediately!"

8 / 10
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  • Fra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 14, 2017

For Strep Throat "Everyone take a note that anytime you take an antibiotic, you should take a probiotic to help your digestive health. A lot of antibiotics cause diarrhea and can turn severe without proper technique. Take into account too that eating or consuming any dairy product with an antibiotic is a huge no-no! I cannot stress how many times people have done that, complaining about frequent loose bowel movements that sometimes lead to accidents. By the third day, if you don't recognize progression, go back to the doctor immediately!"

8 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 6, 2016

For Sinusitis "Prescribed after repeated ear infections and the last cold that turned into a sinus infection. Felt better by the second day, and sinuses opened up. I did have a bout of diarrhea on day 2 but had had soft bowels prior to starting this medication, so I cannot be certain that it was from that. I took Pepto-Bismol tablets throughout that morning and did not have it again. I did feel tired, had a slight stomach ache as if carrying around a brick the first few days, feverish/chills but not really, as well as somewhat sedated and 'out of it' but not unable to function. I was glad to come across this website on day 2 of my treatment. I alleviated the side effects by taking with Greek yogurt, a probiotic pill, a full glass of water, and a starch."

9 / 10
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  • Spo...
  • June 10, 2016

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Bacterial Infection "As advised by the doctor, take with probiotics - took one pill at 8:30 (1/2) apart, then around 11:00 started throwing up for over an hour, then got diarrhea - guess I didn't have enough food on my stomach - will not complete the dosage."

1 / 10
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  • AOM...
  • November 7, 2009

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Middle Ear Infections "For my son, who got multiple ear infections, Augmentin worked well. We always increase his yogurt intake while on antibiotics, and he's had little to no trouble with this side effect. Seems to taste okay to him too. Good drug... try to be proactive about the diarrhea and/or yeast infection with probiotics and taking the med with food. My two cents..."

9 / 10
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  • Boy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 18, 2016

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed Augmentin 875 to be taken twice a day for 10 days to try and prevent infection from a bad cat bite. I did experience symptoms, but because I suffer from IBS, it mostly seemed like an IBS flare to me. The looser stools started on day two, but they were not diarrhea. That was it until around day 8 when I bloated like you wouldn't believe. It was all up in my stomach, and nothing gave me relief. However, I continued taking my pills and my probiotics and finished a couple of days ago. The side effects were not pleasant, but they were much less unfortunate than I was expecting after reading reviews. I never got an infection from the cat bite, which normally leads to one in about 80% of people. So, the drug worked!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2019

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Strep Throat "Diagnosed with strep throat and a perforated eardrum... I was in a ton of pain. Augmentin got rid of the ear pain and throat pain in 2 days, but the pure liquid diarrhea is nonstop. So, of course, I'm an idiot and feel better, so I stopped taking it after 3 days. Well, day 6 I am back (worse) with the strep throat, so I start taking it again. The heartburn is out of control and diarrhea ASAP again. Pain in my throat is so bad I am trying to bear the side effects. I take a probiotic every day, and I currently just took Pepto with hope of some relief."

6 / 10
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  • Lac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2020

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed Augmentin (Amox-Clav) 125 mg every twelve hours for 10 days. Starting having diarrhea the day I started, and by day five, I became so sick I thought I was going to have to go to the ER. Horrible stomach pain and cramps, fever, extreme weakness, painful muscles, mainly in legs, nasty sweat, nightmares, and I lost my sense of smell...which may have been a good thing since I was pretty much stuck in the bathroom. The fever and pain lasted two days after I stopped taking the Augmentin on day five. The diarrhea has continued (on day eight after discontinuing drug) and is pretty much spontaneous. I can’t go anywhere. I have never had stomach issues in my life (I’m 50). I fear my gut is damaged beyond repair. This is a nasty, nasty drug. Also, has worsened my depression and mental state in general."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 9, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this med to prevent an infection after I stepped on a very ugly nail. Also got a tetanus shot. I've now been taking it for 5 days and have two more to go. The side effects so far have been loose stools almost every morning, skin flush that went away with one 50 mg Benadryl, and energy! My usual aches and pains have decreased, and the energy is great! I wonder if I actually had/have an underlying condition that this antibiotic is working on. Who knows."

10 / 10
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  • Anx...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 5, 2021

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Sinusitis "This is my experience with Augmentin. I have a history of severe anxiety and am generally sensitive to medications. I had a tooth extraction and bone graft but also ended up with ear and sinus pain. I was given Augmentin and figured I'd be fine. I took the first dose and was okay. The next morning, I had very loose stool and a bit elevated heart rate. The second dose in the evening, I had a horrible panic attack to the point where I nearly passed out/went to the hospital. The next morning, I took my dose and ended up with an awful panic attack again a few hours later. That's when I called my doctor and was told to switch to Amoxicillin. Everyone's body reacts differently. Definitely keep track of your symptoms, drink a lot of water, and rest!"

1 / 10
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  • Woa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2017

For Strep Throat "Dr. thought I had strep just by looking at my throat and felt like I was swallowing glass, so I got 500 mg amoxicillin 3x/day. Within 24 hrs, I could swallow again and fever went away. However, I am now on day 5 of this medication and have pretty bad nausea, a raging yeast infection, and frequent loose stools, and the abdominal cramps are pretty bad. If you're on this, start taking a probiotic or yogurt immediately! I'm not playing around!"

6 / 10
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  • Blo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 21, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "Took 3 pills every 12 hrs. for 2 kidney staph infections. 1st pill taken with food and low-fat plain Greek yogurt. Later began to notice a throat and tongue burning sensation. 2nd pill caused stomach discomfort and diarrhea (consistency of pudding). 3rd pill began to see red blood after wiping. Very painful and bloody anal area after passing mushy diarrhea."

1 / 10
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  • Jba...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Well, I was given a steroid shot, and this prescription: it made everything worse! I had dizziness, back, neck, and shoulder pain, slight nausea, diarrhea, red cheeks, made my face feel sore, barely slept through the night, and I stopped after 3 days. This is one medicine I cannot take again!"

1 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 5, 2022

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Urinary Tract Infection "I've had to take this multiple times now for extended periods of time due to tick bites because I cannot tolerate doxycycline. It hurts my stomach and makes me nauseous, causes diarrhea, but stay on top of the probiotic supplements, and it will resolve shortly after your antibiotics are finished."

7 / 10
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  • MeC...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 5, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Chest cold with post-nasal drip for 3 weeks. Been on meds for 4 out of 10 days, 875 mg horse pills. Pros: no sinus pressure, cough lessened, voice back, no chest rattling, and can sleep through the night. Cons: HUGE pill, slow to resolve coughing. Side effects: gas cramps followed by diarrhea in the beginning (but tolerable, like various foods or excess protein does), makes me feel even more drained, frequent urination, mild lower cramps. Method: one mid-morning after a meal but with food and water. No dairy. One late evening after supper with bread and water. I think the key for me is a solid meal prior with no dairy, and bread helps. I think if it dissolves before the food, then that's where the gastric issues and nausea come from."

8 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • September 15, 2019

Amoxicillin / clavulanate "I was in the hospital with what the doctors said was a septic chest infection. My WBC is extremely, extremely low, so infection doesn’t seem to make sense. I also had zero chest symptoms (no cough, sore throat, or anything at all). But they prescribed me Augmentin, so I thought I would take it, even though I do not think I have a chest infection. You could not pay me any amount of money to take it ever again. I’ve only taken 1 pill out of my prescribed 30, and the diarrhea is next level. It’s literally WATER. It’s like peeing out of my butt, there’s no substance at all, and I’ve had a few accidents. It’s embarrassing feeling like I’m a geriatric patient when I am, in fact, usually young, fit, and healthy. The diarrhea still hasn’t subsided, and it’s been over 24 hours since I last took it. I can’t leave my house in case I have an accident. Do not take this medicine unless you absolutely have to. I just want the diarrhea to stop :( no other symptoms."

1 / 10
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  • MoM...
  • October 24, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I was given this medicine for a nasty cough I couldn't get rid of caused by a bacterial infection, plus I had an enlarged tonsil. It helped with the swelling, but the side effects were something else. It does the job, but I definitely could have done without the diarrhea and yeast infection."

5 / 10
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  • nau...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 10, 2018

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Throughout the whole course, I had horrible nausea and diarrhea. :/ Two weeks after finishing the course, I'm still sick! So fatigued, flu-like symptoms, chills and sweats, terrible cramps, and always in the bathroom. I've now been diagnosed with colitis from Augmentin. I'm more sick after the course than I was before I actually needed the antibiotics! I've never had a reaction to any other antibiotic, so would never take that again."

1 / 10
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  • Tir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 11, 2016

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I took this medicine for a tooth abscess that couldn't be drained during the root canal. Severe diarrhea, headaches, minor heartburn, and I felt as though my throat were closing (doc said minor allergic reaction). I have been taking a probiotic and eating yogurt, but it hasn't helped with the stomach upset at all. It helped with the abscess, but 8 days later it isn't completely cleared. I've been switched to Clindamycin due to the tightening in my throat. Scared to death and sick of antibiotics."

5 / 10
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  • Lou...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 25, 2017

For Strep Throat "Worst experience I have ever had with any medicine. I was prescribed this for strep throat. On the first day I was fine, but by the second day I was so extremely nauseous that I couldn't even stand up. Had some, but not a lot of diarrhea. I continued to take it because I thought it was just from where I was sick. Today is the fourth day, I woke up and felt not myself. I explained to my husband it felt like I had taken some hard drugs and was having a bad high. I was feeling so sick and lightheaded, I vomited multiple times today and had diarrhea. I have decided to quit taking this medicine. It's Christmas Eve, and I can't feel like this in the morning. Hope I don't, anyways! Never taking this again, especially after reading similar stories!"

1 / 10
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  • Jkf...
  • November 18, 2016

Amoxicillin / clavulanate for Bronchitis "After just 2 doses of planned 10-day 2x/day 875 mg treatment, got violently ill, literally projectile vomited on brand new carpet as I couldn't get the 10 feet to the toilet fast enough. Stopped medicine immediately but still had massive, continuous diarrhea for almost 3 weeks, lost 17 lbs in 14 days! It was so bad/went on so long the doctor actually tested me for C. diff, which was negative. Will never, ever take this again!"

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.