ADVERSE
DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION
Generic name: An antibiotic that combines
Co-Amoxiclav amoxicillin and clavulanic
acid. It destroys bacteria by
Dosage: disrupting their ability to form
1MG cell walls.
Route & Frequency: Clavulanic acid blocks the
PO q 8 chemical defense, known as
beta-lactamase that some
bacteria have against
penicillin’s.
Co-amoxiclav is active against
bacterial infections that have
become resistant to
amoxicillin.
NURSING
INDICATION
Known or suspected
amoxicillin-resistant infections
including respiratory tract,
skin and soft tissue,
genitourinary, and ear, nose
and throat infections.
Effective against strains of
Escherichia coli, Proteus
mirabilis, Haemophilus
influenza, Streptococcus
faecalis, Streptococcus
pneumoniae and some beta-
lactamase-producing
organisms.
CONTRAINDICATION
REACTION
Lethargy, hallucinations,
seizures, glossitis, sore mouth,
furry tongue, black “hairy
tongue”, nausea and
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, bloody diarrhea,
enterocolitis
Penicillin hypersensitivity.
History of co-amoxiclav-
associated or penicillin-
associated jaundice or hepatic
dysfunction.
CONSIDERATION
>Assess bowel pattern
before and during
treatment as pseudo
membranous colitis may
occur.
>Report hematuria or
oliguria as high doses can
be nephrotoxic.
>Assess respiratory
status.
>Observe for anaphylaxis.
>Ensure that the patient
has adequate fluid intake
during any diarrhea
attack.