Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amoxicillin (a-mox-i-SIL-in), Clavulanate Potassium (KLAV-ue-la-nate poe-TAS-ee-um)

Treats infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Augmentin XR, Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Amoxicillin/Clav Acid, Amoclan

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or any other type of penicillin antibiotic. Do not use this medicine if you have ever had liver problems caused by Augmentin®. You should not use Augmentin XR® if you have severe kidney disease, or if you are receiving hemodialysis.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine at the beginning of a meal or snack.
  • If you are using the chewable tablets, chew the tablet completely before swallowing.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before measuring each dose. Rinse the spoon or dropper after each use.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
  • Use only the brand and form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands and forms of Augmentin® may not work the same way.
  • There are certain flavors that can be mixed with Augmentin ES-600® to make it taste better. If you do not like the taste of this medicine, ask your pharmacist about these flavorings.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the tablets, extended-release tablets, and chewable tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Use the liquid within 10 days after you fill the prescription, and throw away any medicine that is left over when you are finished with your treatment time.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Probalan®), allopurinol (Aloprim?, Zyloprim®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
  • Birth control pills may not work while you are using Augmentin®. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, if you have liver disease, mononucleosis ("mono"), or if you have trouble swallowing. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of allergies. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, and Keflex®.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have mild or severe diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests used by people with diabetes.
  • The Augmentin® chewable tablet and liquid contains phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a problem with amino acids. Talk to your doctor before using these medicines if you have PKU.
  • Some side effects listed below may happen during your treatment or after you stop using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Diarrhea that may contain blood, or that lasts longer than 2 days.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diaper rash.
  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Vaginal itching or discharge, white patches in your mouth or throat.
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