Augmentin
Amoxicillin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Augmentin
Augmentin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group of drugs. This drug is based on the combination of clavulanate potassium, a form of clavulanic acid, and amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is a semi-synthetic wide spectrum antibiotic, which kills many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, it is destroyed by beta-lactamase enzymes and does not affect bacteria that produce it.
Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactam component, which blocks a broad spectrum of beta-lactamase enzymes, which are produced by penicillin-resistant bacteria.
Augmentin is used in the same cases when most other penicillin drugs are, including, but not limited to respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary infections.
Therapeutic Uses of Augmentin
Most commonly, Augmentin is applied to treat bacterial infections, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, cystitis, uretritis, nephritis, skin and joint infections, etc. Augmentin is a prescription drug, which should be used under your doctor’s direction. Because it affects bacteria directly, it reduces infection-related inflammatory reactions and speeds up recovery process. Dosage and administration depend on the severity of infection and individual reaction to the drug’s basic components.
Direction of use of Augmentin
Augmentin is administered orally. It is available in tablets, which differ in type and concentration of clavulanic acid. Augmentin tablet types include extended-release, chewable and regular. It is absolutely mandatory that you use the type prescribed by your doctor. Switching to another type without your doctor’s recommendation may lead to lack of desired effect or side effects.
Augmentin is available in a liquid form too.
In order to avoid gastric irritation, Augmentin must be taken right before meal and washed down with water. Regular Augmentin tablets must be swallowed whole. Augmentin Chewable must be chewed before swallowing. Augmentin extended-release (XR) must be either swallowed whole or in halves.
Some people cannot swallow tablets well. If you have this sort of trouble, consult your doctor, so that he/she will prescribe you the preferred tablet form. Also, he/she should show you how to measure your dose.
It should be noted that Augmentin may affect the results of lab tests for sugar in urine.
Dose of Augmentin, if Missed
If you have missed your next dose, take it ASAP. If it is about time for your next scheduled dose, skip it. Do your best to follow your schedule. Under no circumstances should a double dose be taken!
Dosage must be defined by a qualified doctor only.
How to Store Augmentin
Augmentin tablets must be kept at room temperature, which should not exceed 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store the medicine in a dark and dry place. Store liquid Augmentin in the refrigerator. Do not keep the drug in the bathroom. Keep it safely away from children.
Do not flush unused or expired Augmentin down the toilet. Consult your local pharmacist or doctor on how to properly discard unused drugs.
More Information About Augmentin
Augmentin’s components may interact with some other drugs, such as probenecid. For this reason, you must notify your doctor of any drugs you are using or have used recently. Combined use of Augmentin and probenecid may result in increased amoxicillin plasma concentration.
Combined use of allopurinol and amoxicillin increases the likelihood of allergic reactions.
Like many other wide spectrum antibiotics, Augmentin may undermine the effect of peroral contraceptives.
Before taking Augmentin, you must submit your health record and pass a number of sensitivity tests. There have been serious and even lethal cases of anaphylactic reactions to penicillins. Patients who are sensitive to this group of drug are more likely to develop such reactions. If you have any signs of allergic reaction to Augmentin, stop using it immediately and contact your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Using Augmentin
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. The drug’s components are often found in the breast milk. Please, discuss the risks and benefits of using Augmentin during pregnancy and lactation. Do not use Augmentin during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary. Research has revealed an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in babies due to the use of Augmentin during pregnancy. For the most part, this drug is used in cases of premature rupture of membranes.
If you have a history of allergies to antibiotics, do not use Augmentin.
Do not use the drug unless it is prescribed to you. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics may break the bacterial balance in your intestinal tract and cause a prolonged intestinal dysfunction.
Also, you must take Augmentin with caution if you have liver or kidney problems. It is not recommended for people suffering mononucleosis. If you have any of these conditions, notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
Like any antibiotic, Augmentin is likely to trigger some adverse reactions in people.
Most commonly, amoxicillin and clavulanite potassium causes gastrointestinal disorders with bouts of diarrhea, lack of appetite, gastric pain, nausea, vomiting. Some people have hepatic dysfunctions, which usually disappear shortly after they stop using Augmentin. Signs of liver disorders include yellowed skin, dark-colored urine, fever, fatigue, etc.
Some patients have skin reactions, which include itching, rash, tingling. Bleeding and bruising are also likely to occur.
Not uncommonly, this drug triggers allergic reactions, such as swelling of face, tongue, breathing difficulty, hives, etc. If these reactions become intense, call your doctor immediately.
Some anaphylactic reactions may require emergency help and intensive care.