Uses
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth with a meal or snack as directed by your doctor. Depending on your specific product, this medication is usually taken every 8 or 12 hours.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.
Tell the doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly. Taking this medication with food will help to reduce stomach upset.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- unusual tiredness
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact the doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever that doesn't go away
- new or worsening lymph node swelling
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
Amoxicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you develop any rash.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanic acid; or to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease (including liver problems caused by previous use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid)
- kidney disease
- a certain type of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This product may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea that doesn't stop, severe vomiting, change in the amount of urine.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
With long-term treatment, lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, complete blood counts) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
