Blogs

Generic Name : AUGMENTIN

ABSTRACT –

Augmentin is an antibiotic drug that is used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, bacterial ear infections, tonsillitis, urinary tract infections and other dermatological infections caused by bacteria. It is composed of two drugs – amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, the former being an antibiotic drug that works against bacteria, while clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that disallows the target bacteria to form a resistance against amoxicillin. It is classified a ‘penicillin-like-antibiotic’. It is sometimes used to treat certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

DOSAGE –

• This drug is to be consumed as per doctor’s instructions only. Follow through till the end of course duration, even if illness symptoms stop occurring.
• This drug is better taken with food or milk, to prevent upset stomach.
• It is generally consumed every 8-12 hours.
• Adult dosage –
  1. Solid tablet – 500mg/12 hours, 250mg/8 hours
  2. Liquid solution – 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL
• Follow doctor’s instruction on regulating child dosage of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vaginitis
• Diarrhea
• Stomachaches

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Severe vaginal discomfort
• Itching
• White patches on the tongue
• Dark urine
• Bloody stools
• Severe diarrhea
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Allergic reactions like rashes, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, hives.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS:

• Augmentin can cause false-positive results in tests for glucose in urine, and hence it is important to inform the doctors of the Augmentin prescription.

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Benemid
• Zyloprim
• Birth control pills
• Allopurinol
• Warfarin
• Coumadin
• Jantoven
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Lomitapide
• Teriflunomide

Augmentin has major interactions with at least 9 different drugs.

MILD INTERACTIONS OF AUGMENTIN ARE:

• Anisindione
• Bedaquiline
• Bupropione
• Cannabidiol
• Clofarabine
• Dicumarol
• Entecavir
• Estradiol
• Lodocaine
• Morphine
• Naltrexone
• Sarecyline

Augmentin reacts moderately with at least 68 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Do not consume Augmentin in case of liver disease, jaundice, kidney diseases, mononucleosis, asthma or other serious medical conditions. Consult doctor with accurate and detailed medical history before prescription of Augmentin.
• Allergies to any kind of penicillin must be notified to medical authorities before prescription.
• Augmentin reduces the efficiency of birth control pills during course. It is advised to use other methods of contraception during the course.
• Although Augmentin may pass into breastmilk, this may not cause harm to the patient. It is advised to report medical conditions to a doctor before administering any drug.

WARNINGS –

• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.