Augmentin is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, sinusitis, UTIs, etc. It contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and it works by stopping the growth of bacteria, but it doesn’t work for viral infections.
The clavulanic acid stops the bacteria from destroying the amoxicillin, so it can effectively eliminate the bacteria. This makes augmentin very useful for treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How to use Augmentin
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage for augmentin based on your age, the type of infection and severity of the condition, and other medications you are taking.
This drug may work better if you take it right before a meal and take it every 12 hours.
Ensure to shake the oral suspension liquid before taking it, do not chew extended-release tablets and swallow the pill whole with enough water. Also, do not miss doses because they can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Side Effects
Augmentin can result in mild to severe side effects. The mild side effects, such as skin rash, headache, and nausea, usually go away after some time, but if they persist, contact your healthcare provider.
If you notice any of these severe side effects, call your doctor immediately.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Wheezing.
- Diarrhoea.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Hives.
- Severe skin rash and itching.
- Vomiting.
- Vaginal itching and discharge.
- Yellowing of skin and eyes.
Precautions
Before taking augmentin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies to ceftin, amoxil, moxatag, omnitag, cefzil, or any other penicillin antibiotic. Also, do not stop taking this medication before completing the dosage and do not increase or reduce the dose without consulting your doctor.
Do not take augmentin if you have had any of the following conditions:
