What is augmentin? And its uses, side effects, composition and drug interactions

Augmentin 1g tablet

What is Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium)?

A combination of penicillin-type antibiotic called amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. By inhibiting the development of bacteria, it acts. This drug only cures infections which ars due to bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections such as common cold and flu. Any antibiotic that is used when it is not needed may not be effective against subsequent infections. Augmentin is an effective antibiotic for treating a wide range of bacterial infections. The bacteria that are responsible to treat:

Pneumonia

Ear infections

Sinus infections

Skin infections

Urinary tract infections

Augmentin composition:

Augmentin is an antibiotic that must be taken as directed. It is used to treat bacterial infections. Augmentin is an antibiotic belongs to penicillin family.

Augmentin is made up of two drugs: clavulanic acid and amoxicillin. Augmentin works against a wider variety of bacteria than antibiotics that only contain amoxicillin.

Augmentin available forms:

Augmentin occurs in three forms, all of which are taken by mouth, 

immediate-release tablet

Extended-release tablet

liquid suspension

Augmentin available suspensions

Augmentin uses:

Augmentin is commonly used to treat infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, ear, sinuses, and skin in both adults and children. It is available as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, and liquid suspension. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some of these uses, while others are off-label.

Some of the most common applications for Augmentin are outlined in the following information.

Augmentin for urinary tract infection (UTI):

Augmentin is approved by the FDA to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). The Infectious Diseases Society of America says that Augmentin is not the best antibiotic for UTI. When other medications, like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cannot be used, it should be used.

Augmentin for sinus infection / sinusitis:

Augmentin for sinusitis or infection The FDA has approved Augmentin for treating sinus infections in children and adults. Augmentin is regarded as the treatment of choice for this condition.

Augmentin for strep:

Augmentin for strep throat The treatment of strep throat, also known as streptococcus pharyngitis, has not been approved by the FDA. Additionally, the majority of strep throat cases should not be treated with Augmentin, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Augmentin for pneumonia:

Pneumonia treatment with Augmentin Both Augmentin have received FDA approval. Pneumonia typically requires other antibiotics to treat. However, they are frequently used in patients with diabetes, heart disease, or liver or kidney disease who also have pneumonia.

Augmentin is typically administered in conjunction with other antibiotics when treating pneumonia.

Augmentin for ear infection:

Augmentin is approved by the FDA to treat otitis media, also known as ear infections, in both children and adults.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that Augmentin is not typically the first-line treatment for children's ear infections.

Children who have recently received treatment with another antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, typically require augmentin. It might also be used for people who have had ear infections in the past that amoxicillin didn't work well for.

Augmentin for cellulitis:

Cellulitis is a type of skin infection that can be treated with augmentin. Some skin infections, such as cellulitis caused by certain bacteria, can be treated with Augmentin, which has been approved by the FDA. However, Augmentin is typically not the first antibiotic prescribed for cellulitis treatment.

Augmentin for bronchitis:

Treatment of bronchitis with Augmentin Augmentin is approved for the treatment of certain kinds of respiratory infections. Bronchitis is one example of this in some instances.

Since bronchitis is usually brought on by a virus, antibiotics rarely work to treat it. However, if your doctor suspects that your persistent cough is caused by a bacterial infection, they may consider prescribing antibiotics like Augmentin.

Augmentin for acne:

Augmentin for acne Some kinds of acne can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. Although Augmentin can be used to treat acne off-label, it is not typically the first option.

Augmentin for diverticulitis:

Diverticulitis and augmentin The FDA has not approved augmentin for this purpose. However, it is used to treat it off-label. For diverticulitis, augmentin XR is typically regarded as a second-choice antibiotic.

Side Effects

 There may be diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Inform your pharmacist or doctor right away if any of these symptoms persist or get worse. If you take this medication with food, you'll have less trouble with your stomach.

If any of the following rare but serious side effects occur, immediately notify your doctor: dark urine, persistent nausea and vomiting, severe stomach and abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, easy bruising and bleeding, new infection signs like a fever and persistent sore throat, and unusual tiredness.

Due to a bacteria known as C. difficile, this medication may occasionally result in severe intestinal problems. During treatment or after treatment has ended, this condition may occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your physician right away: abdominal or stomach pain, blood or mucus in your stool, and persistent diarrhea.

Use of anti-diarrhea or opioid products may exacerbate symptoms if you have these symptoms.

Oral thrush or a new yeast infection may develop if this medication is taken for an extended or repeated period of time. If you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in your vaginal discharge, or any other new symptoms, you should see a doctor.

It is rare for this drug to cause a serious allergic reaction. Although, if you observe any of the regarding signs of a severe allergic reaction, go for immediate medical checkup: rash, swelling and itching, particularly of the face, tongue, and throat, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Amoxicillin can frequently trigger a mild rash that is rarely life-threatening. However, it may be difficult to distinguish from a rare rash, which could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. 

Contact your physician or pharmacist if you notice any additional effects not listed above.

Augmentin Precautions: 

If you are allergic to clavulanic acid or amoxicillin, tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication; or to antibiotics made from penicillin or cephalosporin; or if you are allergic to anything else. There is a chance that this drug contains inactive ingredients, which may produce issues such as allergic reactions. For further information, consult your pharmacist.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of your medical history before taking this medication, especially of: kidney disease, a particular kind of viral infection (infectious mononucleosis), and liver disease (including problems with the liver brought on by previous use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid).

Aspartame may be in this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or another condition that requires you to limit or avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet.

Aware your doctor about all of your drugs, herbal products, and nonprescription medications prior to surgery.

Live bacterial vaccines, like the typhoid vaccine, may not work as well with this product. Before getting any vaccinations or immunizations, tell your doctor or nurse that you are taking this medication.

This drug should only be consumed when absolutely necessary during pregnancy. 

Breast milk contains this medication.

Augmentin Drug interactions:

Drug interactions can alter the way your medications work or make you more likely to experience serious side effects. All of the drug interactions are not discussed in this document. Aware about your drug list with your physician and pharmacist of all the products you use, as well as herbal products. Without your physician, do not begin, stop, or alter the dosage of any drug.

This medication may interact with the product: methotrexate.

This medication may cause false results from certain laboratory tests, such as certain glucose tests on urine.

Augmentin Storage:

Refrigerate the suspension for storage. After seven days, some brands should throw away the unused portion. After ten days, the unused portion of other brands should be thrown away. Before throwing it away, talk to your pharmacist about the brand you have and how long it should be stored. 

When this product has expired or is no longer required, you properly dispose of it. For more information, consult your pharmacist or the local waste management company.