CLAVULANIC ACID

Overview

It is an antibiotic that helps your body fight infections caused by bacteria. It is used to treat infections of the lungs (e.g., pneumonia), ear, nasal sinus, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue. It will not work for viral infections such as the common cold.

Classification
Antibiotics

Uses

Amoxicillin and clavulanate combination is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body (eg, ear, lungs, sinus, skin, urinary tract)

How it works

Clavulanic acid inactivates some beta-lactamase enzymes that are produced by bacteria, therefore preventing enzymatic destruction of amoxicillin. This helps to treat a variety of bacterial infections which would otherwise be resistant to antibiotics without the addition of clavulanic acid.

Dosage

As directed by the physician

Precautions

You should not use amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium if you have severe kidney disease, if you have had liver problems or jaundice while taking this medicine previously, or if you are allergic to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic, such as Amoxil, Ceftin, Cefzil, Levaquin, Moxatag, Omnicef, and others.

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. Amoxicillin and clavulanate may not be as effective or could be harmful if you do not use the exact tablet form your doctor has prescribed.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);

pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

loss of appetite, upper stomach pain;

little or no urination; or

easy bruising or bleeding.

Common amoxicillin and clavulanate side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting; diarrhea;

rash, itching;

vaginal itching or discharge; or

diaper rash.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.