Description

Augmentin is one of the trade name of Amoxicillin. This is a bacterial medical product of the broad action used in the treatment of the infectious diseases.

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic which is active as to many morbific microorganisms. But some bacteria have enzymes which neutralize the action of beta-lactamase antibiotics. Amoxicillin belongs to such antibiotics, and therefore it is not prescribed during some infections. But as this is one of the safest drugs for the treatment of infections, scientists have decided to improve the formula of Amoxicillin and added clavulanic acid.

Clavulanic acid breaks the bacterial enzymes which neutralize the action of Amoxicillin. Due to this, Augmentin may be used in cases when the use of Amoxicillin does not bring the required effect, and the replacement of the antibiotic is not required.

Clavulanic acid does not have the antibacterial characteristics, and therefore it is used only as an additional ingredient removing beta-lactamase.

In what dose is Augmentin used?

Augmentin is used orally according to the prescribed instructions. The tablets should be used one hour before meals, or in 2 hours after meals and with a glass of water.

The tablets of Augmentin may contain various amount of the active ingredients:

• 250 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid
• 400 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid
• 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid
• 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid

Patients over 12 years old with the body weight more than 40 kg are prescribed a therapeutic dose of Augmentin in the dose of 625 mg 2-3 times per day within 5-10 days. Children under 12 years old with the body weight less than 40 kg are prescribed Augmentin 375 mg 1-3 times per day.

In case of severe infectious diseases, the dose is increased by two times and an intensive antibacterial therapy is conducted. Augmentin interacts well with other bactericidal antibiotics, and this makes it more common drug on the pharmaceutical market.

Precautions

• Avoid alcohol consumption during the use of Augmentin
• The bacteriostatic antibiotics should not be used with Augmentin. They lower the pharmacological efficiency of Augmentin, and so the treatment takes longer time.
• The use of Augmentin is contraindicated in the first term of pregnancy. The treatment is possible in the 2 and 3d terms but only under doctor’s supervision
• As soon as you begin taking Augmentin, it is necessary to stop the breast-feeding.
• If you had hepatitis during the use of Amoxicillin, you have renal/hepatic failure, do not take Augmentin
• Control the hematological rates during and after the treatment

Side effects

The side effects of Augmentin appear seldom and are completely reversible. Using Augmentin may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache. Senior people have hepatitis seldom due to cholestasis in the bile passages. These changes completely pass after the end of taking the pills.

But if an allergic reaction develops due to the use of Augmentin, it is necessary to stop the treatment and consult a doctor.