Augmentin

Augmentin

     * Generic Name: amoxicillin clavulanate
     * Brand Name: Augmentin


     * What is amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin,
       Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin and
       clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
       Augmentin XR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
       Augmentin XR)?
     * How should I take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
       (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
       Augmentin XR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
       Augmentin XR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate
       potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?
     * What other drugs will affect amoxicillin and clavulanate
       potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?
     * Where can I get more information (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
       Augmentin XR)?

What is amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600,
Augmentin XR)?

   Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria
   in the body.

   Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps
   prevent certain bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin.

   Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a combination medicine used to
   treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as
   sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis,
   urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

   Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may also be used for purposes not
   listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
(Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
     * pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or
       weakness;
     * loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing
       of the skin or eyes);
     * easy bruising or bleeding;
     * little or no urination; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, diarrhea; or
     * vaginal itching or discharge;

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amoxicillin and
clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

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

   Augmentin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amoxicillin
and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

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

   To make sure amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is safe for you,
   tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * liver disease (hepatitis or jaundice);
     * kidney disease; or
     * mononucleosis.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can make birth control pills less
   effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control
   (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

   Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass into breast milk and may
   affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

   Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

   The liquid or chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine. Talk to
   your doctor before using these forms of this medicine if you have
   phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, Augmentin
ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take the medicine every 12 hours, at the start of a meal to reduce
   stomach upset.

   Do not crush or chew the 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 amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.

   The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

   Shake the liquid medicine well just before you measure a dose. Measure
   liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special
   dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
   dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

   Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
   may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
   may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
   antibiotics. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium will not treat a
   viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

   This medicine can cause unusual results with certain lab tests for
   glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you
   are using amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.

   Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Store the liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid
   after 10 days.

   Augmentin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Fungal Infections: Fungus Among Us

   Fungal Infections Slideshow: Fungus Among Us
   RxList

   Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
   Hepatitis C: Transmission, Symptoms and Treatment

   Hepatitis C Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin
   rash, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and decreased urination.

What should I avoid while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
(Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Avoid taking this medicine together with or just after eating a
   high-fat meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the
   medication.

   Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
   infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your
   doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you
   to.

What other drugs will affect amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
(Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * allopurinol;
     * probenecid; or
     * a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with amoxicillin
   and clavulanate potassium, including prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions
   are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about amoxicillin and
   clavulanate potassium.
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