Augmentin

2007-12-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

¿What is Augmentin?

Augmentin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Augmentin fights bacteria in the body. Augmentin is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin. Augmentin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

¿What is the most important information I should know about Augmentin?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or to a cephalosporin, you may also be allergic to Augmentin. Tell your doctor about any past drug allergies. If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength prescribed for you. The strength of clavulanate potassium is not the same among the different tablet forms, even though the amount of Augmentin may be the same as in the tablet you were using before. This medicine may not be as effective or could be harmful if you do not use the exact tablet form your doctor has prescribed. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Augmentin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Augmentin can pass into breast milk and may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Augmentin can make birth control pills less effective. Use a second non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Augmentin.

¿What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Augmentin?

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or to a cephalosporin, you may also be allergic to Augmentin. Tell your doctor about any past drug allergies. Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or jaundice);
kidney disease; or
mononucleosis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Augmentin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment. Some forms of this medication contain as much as 7 mg of phenylalanine per dose. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or otherwise need to restrict your intake of phenylalanine. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Augmentin can pass into breast milk and may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

¿How should I take Augmentin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength prescribed for you. The strength of clavulanate potassium is not the same among the different tablet forms, even though the amount of Augmentin may be the same as in the tablet you were using before. This medicine may not be as effective or could be harmful if you do not use the exact tablet form your doctor has prescribed. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take the medicine at the start of a meal to reduce stomach upset. The Augmentin tablet should be swallowed whole. The Augmentin Chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing. Do not swallow a chewable tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the Augmentin XR (extended-release) tablet. Swallow the pill whole, or break the pill in half and take both halves one at a time. If you have trouble swallowing a whole or half pill, talk with your doctor about using another form of Augmentin. Shake the liquid form of this medicine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Augmentin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed. It is important to take Augmentin regularly to get the most benefit. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Augmentin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Augmentin. Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid form of this medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.

¿What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

¿What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an Augmentin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, drowsiness, or hyperactivity.

¿What should I avoid while taking Augmentin?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to. Augmentin side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 3 days, or if you have nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Keep taking the medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

mild diarrhea, gas, stomach pain;
nausea or vomiting;
headache;
skin rash or itching;
white patches in your mouth or throat; or
vaginal yeast infection (itching or discharge).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

¿What other drugs will affect Augmentin?

Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

allopurinol (Zyloprim);
probenecid (Benemid); or
another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Augmentin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. Augmentin can make birth control pills less effective. Use a second non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Augmentin. There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Augmentin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

¿Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about Augmentin written for health professionals that you may read.

ANTIBIOTICS