Augmentin Patient Tips

How it works

• Augmentin is a brand (trade) name for a penicillin-type combination antibiotic made up of amoxicillin (the active, antibiotic part) and clavulanate potassium (boosts the effectiveness of the amoxicillin).

Upsides

• Effective against more organisms than amoxicillin by itself.
• Available in tablet, chewable tablet, extended-release and liquid formulations.
• Cost-saving generic formulations are available.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Diarrhea, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, and abnormal dreams.
• Can cause overgrowth of a yeast, candida, causing thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) or vaginal yeast infections.
• Do not take if you are allergic to penicillin or any other penicillin-like antibiotic such as ampicillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, or others.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Augmentin is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic that effectively treats a variety of infections. Use may be limited by resistance and side effects such as diarrhea and yeast overgrowth.

Tips

• Take at the start of a meal.
• Call for emergency help if you experience any trouble breathing, swelling or tightness of the throat.
• See your doctor if you develop prolonged or significant diarrhea or a rash.
• Complete the course of Augmentin.

Response and Effectiveness

• May take up to 48 hours of dosing for a clinical improvement to be seen.
• Effective against more organisms than amoxicillin by itself.
• Some bacteria are inherently resistant to Augmentin whereas others can acquire resistance. To help prevent resistance and treatment failure, be sure to complete the full course of antibiotic, even if you feel better.