Medications and Drugs

Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine Slideshow Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANIC ACID 200MG CHEWABLE TABLETS - ORAL (uh-mox-eh-SILL-in/klav-you-LAN-ick acid)

BRAND NAME(S): Augmentin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

HOW TO USE: Chew the tablets thoroughly and swallow, followed by a full glass of water (8oz or 240ml). Take this medication with a meal or snack, usually every 12 hours, or as directed by the doctor. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform the doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Take with food to minimize stomach upset. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact the doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medicine may cause temporary staining of the teeth. Proper brushing will usually remove this staining and may prevent it from occurring. Tell the doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes or skin. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell the doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact the doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.