What is Augmentin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Feb 19, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Augmentin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin XR

Generic Names:

  • Amoxicillin-Pot Clavulanate

Uses:

  • Treats infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Augmentin come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Augmentin doses?

  • Bottle 75ML of 125-31.25MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 125-31.25MG/5ML

  • Bottle 100ML of 250-62.5MG/5ML

  • Bottle 150ML of 125-31.25MG/5ML

  • Tablet 500-125MG

Common Augmentin prescriptions

  • Augmentin
    10 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    100ml of 125-31.25mg/5ml bottle

  • Augmentin
    14 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    15 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    20 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    21 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    28 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    30 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    4 tablets bottle

  • Augmentin
    75ml of 125-31.25mg/5ml bottle

  • Augmentin
    75ml of 250-62.5mg/5ml bottle

  • Augmentin
    500-125mg tablet

  • Augmentin
    875-125mg tablet

How to take Augmentin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take this medicine with a snack or at the beginning of a meal to help prevent nausea.

  • Chewable tablets: Chew the tablet completely before you swallow it.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before you measure each dose. Rinse the spoon or dropper after each use.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Tablet, extended-release tablet, chewable tablet: Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Throw away any unused oral liquid after 10 days.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Tablet, extended-release tablet, chewable tablet: Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take this medicine with a snack or at the beginning of a meal to help prevent nausea.

  • Oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

  • Chewable tablets: Chew the tablet completely before you swallow it.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Throw away any unused oral liquid after 10 days.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before you measure each dose. Rinse the spoon or dropper after each use.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Augmentin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or a similar antibiotic (penicillin or cephalosporin), or if you had liver problems caused by Augmentin®.

Augmentin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or mononucleosis (mono).

  • Birth control pills may not work as well while you are taking this medicine. Use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • The chewable tablet and oral liquid contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before you use this medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Augmentin interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner (such as warfarin), allopurinol, or probenecid.

  • Birth control pills may not work as well while you are taking this medicine. Use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • The chewable tablet and oral liquid contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before you use this medicine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Augmentin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow eyes or skin

  • Diarrhea that may contain blood, stomach cramps

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Tooth discoloration (in children)

  • Diaper rash