GENERIC NAME: Amoxicillin- clavulanic acid

BRAND NAME: Augmentin, Clavamox, Co-amoxiclav

DOSAGE: 1 g IV q 8h
625 mg 1 tab BID
FREQUENCY: Given every 12 hours as effective and safe as every 8 hours
TIMING: Every 8 hours (three times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day).
ROUTE: ORAL, IV
PHARMACOLOGIC CLASS: Beta-lactam and beta-lactamase inhibitor
THERAPEUTIC CLASS: Broad-spectrum antibiotic

MECHANISM OF ACTION:
 Augmentin is bactericidal and works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.

 Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall mucopeptide synthesis. Clavulanic acid inactivates a wide

range of beta-lactam enzymes found in bacteria resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.

INDICATIONS:
 Lower respiratory tract infections- bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis.
 Otitis media (middle ear infection).
 Sinusitis
 Skin and skin structure infections- cellulitis (infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue),
erysipelas (infection of dermis or hypodermis), folliculitis (inflammation of the hair folic,les),
furuncles (boils) and other.
 Urinary tract infections (UTI)- infections of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to penicillin. Cross-sensitivity w/ other β-lactam antibiotics eg,

cephalosporins. Previous history of jaundice/liver impairment associated w/ penicillin. Glandular fever
or lymphatic lymphoma.

ADVERSE EFFECT:
CNS: Nausea, vomiting, headache.
CV: Chest pain, palpitations
GI: Diarrhea, Gas stomach pain
GU: Vaginal yeast infection (itching or discharge)
DERM: Skin rash or itching

NURSING ALERT
 Assess bowel pattern before and during treatment as pseudomembranous 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.
Patient teaching
 If the patient develops a rash, wheezing, itching, fever, or swelling in the joints, this could
indicate an allergy and should be reported.
 Patients must ensure they take the full course of the medicine.
 The medicine must be taken in equal doses around the clock to maintain the level in the blood.
 If oral contraceptives are used, use alternative contraception.
 Report diarrhea, cramping, and blood in stools as pseudomembranous colitis may occur.
 Nurses should refer to the manufacturer’s summary of product characteristics and to
appropriate local guidelines.