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Generic Name: Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Amoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in the United States.
Unfortunately, the widespread use of this penicillin-like drug has led many
bacteria to develop resistance to it.
By adding clavulanic acid to the
formulation, scientists created a medication, Augmentin, that is effective
against many bacteria that are not susceptible to amoxicillin alone.
This broad-spectrum antibiotic is effective in fighting infections in many
parts of the body including the urinary tract, skin, sinuses, lungs, ears,
throat and genital tract.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common side effects of Augmentin
involve digestive tract upset. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be troublesome
for some people.
Other adverse reactions to be aware of include skin
rash, itching, vaginal infections, stomachache, gas, headache and vomiting.
Less common but possibly more serious side effects include liver enzyme
elevations, anemia, blood disorders and psychological reactions. Report any
symptoms to your physician promptly.
Long-term treatment with
penicillin-type antibiotics requires periodic monitoring by a health
professional.
Augmentin may interfere with some urine tests for diabetes
and produce false positive results.
Augmentin should not be taken with
tetracycline or some other antibiotics. Notify your doctor if you are on such a
drug for a different condition.
Special Precautions
Because amoxicillin is related to penicillin, anyone who is allergic to this class of antibiotics must generally avoid such drugs like the plague.
Symptoms such as breathing difficulty, wheezing, sneezing, hives, itching, and skin rash require immediate emergency treatment.
Life-threatening anaphylactic shock may produce an inability to breathe and cardiovascular collapse and can occur within minutes of exposure.
If you experience a serious reaction and you ever have to go into the hospital, make sure a sign is placed over the bed alerting hospital personnel to penicillin allergy.
Taking the Medicine
Augmentin can be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. It is generally best swallowed with a
full eight-ounce glass of water.
To maintain adequate levels of the medicine in your body,
it is usually recommended that doses be given every eight hours.
Check with your pharmacist
to see how you should adjust your schedule to get the third dose in on time.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000