Augmentin

(amoxicillin/clavulanat
e potassium)
 Generic name
 Dosage
 Side effects
 Uses
 Alcohol
 Interactions
 How to take
 How it works
 Pregnancy
 Breastfeeding
 Augmentin vs. amoxicillin
 Augmentin for dogs
 Common questions
 Alternatives
 Overdose
 Expiration
 Warnings
 Professional information

What is Augmentin?
Augmentin is a prescription antibiotic medication. It’s used to treat
infections caused by bacteria. Augmentin belongs to the penicillin
class of antibiotics.

Augmentin contains two drugs: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This

combination makes Augmentin work against more types of bacteria
than antibiotics that contain amoxicillin alone.

Augmentin is effective for treating infections caused by many different

types of bacteria. These include bacteria that cause:

 pneumonia
 ear infections
 sinus infections
 skin infections
 urinary tract infections
Augmentin comes in three forms, all of which are taken by mouth:

 immediate-release tablet
 extended-release tablet
 liquid suspension

Augmentin generic name

Augmentin is available in a generic form. The generic name of
Augmentin is amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium.

Generic drugs are often less expensive than the brand-name version.
In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be
available in different forms and strengths. The generic version of this
drug is available in the same forms as Augmentin, as well as in a
chewable tablet.

Augmentin dosage
The Augmentin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several
factors. These include:

 the type and severity of the condition you’re using Augmentin to

treat
 your age
  the form of Augmentin you take
 other medical conditions you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used

or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your
doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best
dosage to suit your needs.

Forms and strengths

The three forms of Augmentin come in different strengths:

 immediate-release tablet: 250 mg/125 mg, 500 mg/125 mg, 875

mg/125 mg
 extended-release tablet: 1,000 mg/62.5 mg
 liquid suspension: 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL, 250 mg/62.5 mg
per 5 mL

For the strengths listed above, the first number is the amoxicillin
amount and the second number is the clavulanic acid amount. The
ratio of drug to drug is different for each strength, so one strength
can’t be substituted for another.

Dosage for urinary tract infections

Immediate-release tablets
  Typical dosage for mild-to-moderate infections: One 500-mg
tablet every 12 hours, or one 250-mg tablet every 8 hours.
 Typical dosage for severe infections: One 875-mg tablet
every 12 hours, or one 500-mg tablet every 8 hours.
 Treatment length: Usually three to seven days.

Dosage for sinus infection

Immediate-release tablets

 Typical dosage: One 875-mg tablet every 12 hours, or one 500-

mg tablet every 8 hours.
 Treatment length: Usually five to seven days.

Extended-release tablets

 Typical dosage: Two tablets every 12 hours for 10 days.

Dosage for skin infections such as impetigo

Immediate-release tablets

 Typical dosage: One 500-mg or 875-mg tablet every 12 hours,

or one 250-mg or 500-mg tablet every 8 hours.
 Treatment length: Usually seven days.

Dosage for ear infections

Immediate-release tablets

 Typical dosage: One 875-mg tablet every 12 hours, or one 500-

mg tablet every 8 hours.
 Treatment length: Usually 10 days.

Dosage for respiratory infections such as

pneumonia

Immediate-release tablets

 Typical dosage: One 875-mg tablet every 12 hours, or one 500-

mg tablet every 8 hours for 7 to 10 days.

Extended-release tablets

 Typical dosage: Two tablets every 12 hours for 7 to 10 days.

Augmentin suspension for adults

The Augmentin liquid suspension form may be used instead of the

tablet for adults who have trouble swallowing pills. The suspension
comes in different concentrations. Your pharmacist will determine the
suspension to use and the amount to take based on your doctor’s
prescription.

Pediatric dosage
The liquid suspension form of Augmentin is typically used for children.
The dosage depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and
the age or weight of the child.

Your pharmacist will determine the concentration of the suspension

and the amount your child should take based on their doctor’s
prescription.

For infants younger than 3 months old

 Typical dosage: 30 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin

component of Augmentin). This amount is divided and given
every 12 hours.
 Typical form used: The 125-mg/5-mL suspension.

For children 3 months of age and older who weigh less than 88
lbs (40 kg)

 For less severe infections:

o Typical dosage: 25 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin
component of Augmentin), using the 200-mg/5-mL or 400-
mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided and given
every 12 hours.
o Alternative dosage: 20 mg/kg/day (based on the
amoxicillin component of Augmentin), using the 125-mg/5-
mL or 250-mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided
and given every eight hours.
  For more severe infections or ear infections, sinus infections, or
respiratory infections:
o Typical dosage: 45 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin
component of Augmentin), using the 200-mg/5-mL or 400-
mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided and given
every 12 hours.
o Alternative dosage: 40 mg/kg/day (based on the
amoxicillin component of Augmentin), using the 125-mg/5-
mL or 250-mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided
and given every eight hours.

For children who weigh 88 lbs (40 kg) or more

 The adult dosage can be used.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it’s just a
few hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one on schedule.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at a time. This can cause
dangerous side effects