Augmentin (Amoxycillin/ Clavulanic Acid 875mg/125mg) 12 Tablets/Pack

Augmentin general information

What is Augmentin used for?

Augmentin tablets 875/125 are a combination antibiotic used for short-term treatment of a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria.  These include upper respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media (ear infection); lower respiratory infections such as pharyngitis, and acute exacerbations of bronchitis and pneumonia; urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis, pyelonephritis and female genital infections; soft tissue and skin infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis and cellulitis; bone and joint Infections, such as osteomyelitis.  Other infections that Augmentin tablets 875/125 are used for include peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections and as prophylaxis to prevent infection following major surgery.

How does Augmentin work?

Augmentin tablets 875/125 contain a combination of two antibiotics.  Amoxycillin is as an antibiotic similar to penicillin and belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, which block the formation of the bacterial cell wall and this kills the bacteria.  However, amoxycillin can be inactivated by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta-lactamase, which makes those bacteria resistant to amoxycillin.  Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria.  This dual action of Augmentin 625mg tablets provides a broad spectrum antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which extends the range of susceptible bacteria as well as helping to prevent drug resistance developing.  This allows Augmentin 625mg tablets to combat infection and treat a wide range of symptoms caused by bacterial infections.  Augmentin tablets do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate. 

What does Augmentin contain?

Augmentin tablets contain a combination of the active ingredients amoxycillin 875mg and clavulanic acid 125mg, which are antibiotics used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections.  They also contain magnesium stearate microcrystalline cellulose silicon dioxide sodium starch glycollate, dimeticone hypromellose Macrogol 4000 Macrogol 6000 Opadry film coat Titanium dioxide. 

Treating bacterial infection with Augmentin

Augmentin tablets 875/125 contain a combination of two antibiotics amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.  Amoxycillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic that belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall which kills the bacteria.  Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate the bacterial enzyme beta-lactamase commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria that inactivates amoxycillin.  This dual action means that Augmentin 625mg tablets can be used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin, peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections, which are caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria, and to prevent infection following major surgery. 

What are the side effects of Augmentin?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Augmentin tablets 875/125 include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, oral and vaginal thrush, headache, mild skin rash.

When should Augmentin not be used?

You should not use Augmentin tablets 875/125 if you:

• are allergic to amoxycillin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including cephalosporins; or clavulanic acid or any ingredients in Augmentin
• have had jaundice or liver problems after previously taking Augmentin
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without first discussing with your doctor
• have or think you have infectious mononucleosis
• have or have had hepatitis or jaundice or kidney disease
• are taking oral contraceptives as Augmentin may lower oestrogen levels
• taking medications that interact with Augmentin, including probenecid and allopurinol (for gout), anticoagulants

How should Augmentin be taken?

You should take your Augmentin tablets 875/125 with a glass of water with food, preferably just before a meal, to reduce stomach effects.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations, which may be 1-2 tablets 1-3 times a day for up to 14 days.  Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Augmentin. 

How long should you take Augmentin?

You should complete the course of Augmentin tablets 875/125 as prescribed by your doctor, which may for up to 14 days, depending on what you are being treated for.  Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Augmentin tablets 875/125.

Missed dose of Augmentin

If you miss a dose of Augmentin tablets 875/125 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Augmentin be stored?

You should store your Augmentin tablets 875/125 below 25°C in a cool dry place.