AUGMENTIN - Canadian Medical Guide
AUGMENTIN

BRAND NAMES
PENICILLINS & BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITORS
AMOXICILLIN & CLAVULANATE- Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin SR, Clavulin


BASIC AUGMENTIN INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Antibacterial


MEDICAL USES
Treatment of bacterial infections that are susceptible to penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors, including lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, and urinary tract infections.


MEDICAL DOSAGE & AUGMENTIN USAGE
How to take Augmentin:

- Tablet: Swallow with liquid on a full or empty stomach.

- Taking with food may lessen any stomach irritation.

- Chewable tablet: Chew or crush before swallowing.

- Oral suspension: Measure each dose with an accurate measuring device (not a household teaspoon).


When to take Augmentin:

- Follow instructions on prescription label, or take as directed by doctor.

- Normally the drug is taken every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days.


If you forget a dose:

- Take as soon as you remember, then continue regular schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for that dose (don't double it).


What drug does:

- Destroys susceptible bacteria.

- Does not kill viruses, fungi or parasites.

- Beta-lactamase inhibitors increase penicillin's effectiveness by inactivating beta-lactamase (a substance in some bacteria which destroys the penicillin).


Time lapse before drug works:

- May be several days before medicine affects infection.


Don't take with:

- Any other medicine or any dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.


AUGMENTIN OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS: Severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
AUGMENTIN SIDE EFFECTS

Life-threatening:

Hives, rash, intense itching, shortness of breath, faintness soon after a dose (anaphylaxis).

Common Augmentin Side Effects:

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (all mild); sore mouth or tongue; white patches in mouth or on tongue; vaginal itching or discharge; stomach pain.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

Unexplained bleeding or bruising, weakness, sore throat, fever, severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (watery and severe), and convulsions.
PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if:

-
You are allergic to penicillin's or cephalosporin's. Life-threatening reaction may occur.


Before you start, consult your doctor If: - You are allergic to any substance or drug.

- You have mononucleosis.

- You have congestive heart failure.

- You have high blood pressure or any bleeding disorder.

- You have cystic fibrosis.

- You have kidney disease or a stomach or intestinal disorder.


Over age 60:

- No special problems expected.


Pregnancy:

- Consult doctor.


Breast-feeding:

- Drug passes into milk.


- Child may become sensitive to penicillin's and have allergic reactions to penicillin drugs.

- Avoid penicillin or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine.

- Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.


Infants & children:

- No special problems expected.


Prolonged use: 

- You may become more susceptible to infections caused by germs not responsive to penicillin's.


Skin & sunlight:

- No problems expected.


Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

- Usually not dangerous.

- Most hazardous reactions likely to occur a few minutes after taking.


Discontinuing:

- Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.


Others:

- Urine sugar test for diabetes may show false positive result. 

- If your symptoms don't improve within a few days (or if they worsen), call your doctor.
 
- Don't take for diarrhea without your doctor's approval.

- Birth control pills may not be effective.

- Use additional birth control methods.
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POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS / SUBSTANCES

POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS

Chloramphenicol:
Decreased effect of both drugs.

Cholestyramine: May decrease penicillin effect.

Colestipol: May decrease penicillin effect.

Contraceptives, oral: Impaired contraceptive efficiency.

Erythromycins: Decreased effect of both drugs.

Methotrexate: Increased risk of methotrexate toxicity.

Probenecid: Increased effect of all penicillin's.

Sodium benzoate & sodium phenylacetate: May reduce effect of sodium benzoate & sodium phenyl acetate.

Tetracycline's: Decreased effect of both drugs.


POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

Alcohol: Occasional stomach irritation.

Beverages: None expected.

Cocaine: None expected.

Foods: None expected.

Marijuana: None expected.

Tobacco: None expected.
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