Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid is a combination of two medicines working together. Amoxicillin works by stopping bacteria growth, while Clavulanic acid prevents the enzyme released by the bacteria from destroying Amoxicillin. It is only given to you when your healthcare provider prescribes it.

The Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid combination is used for bacterial infections, including:

• Pneumonia in children and adults.
• When you have ‘glue ear’ that causes accumulation of fluid and pain in the middle ear.
• Bacterial infection of the hollow parts around your nose (sinusitis) and lungs.
• When you have a urinary tract infection.
• When you have a sexually transmitted disease, confirmed by a test.
• Some skin infections caused by bacteria.

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid (amoxiclav) is a combination of two medicines for treating bacterial infections. Combining the two drugs allows this antibiotic to be effective in treating a wide range of bacterial infections. Your healthcare provider may prescribe this drug to treat pneumonia and other bacterial infections, including those transmitted through sex.

This medicine is only useful against bacterial infections; it will not work against viral or fungal infections. Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid is a prescription-only medicine.

• This medicine comes in a capsule, a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, a chewable tablet, and a suspension (semi-liquid) form.
• It would be best if you took the tablets, capsule, and suspension before eating or at the start of a meal, while the extended-release tablet is best taken during meals or snacks.
• The chewable tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
• Shake the suspension well to mix evenly before you use it. Use the measuring spoon or cup that comes with the medicine. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon to measure, as this may not give an accurate amount.
• Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water, do not chew or crush them.
• Use this medicine at the same time every day for the length of time recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your healthcare provider to explain parts you do not understand. Please do not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.

You may experience mild effects of this medicine that may make you uncomfortable at first. These will usually go away within 2 to 3 days. You should, however, mention these or other unpleasant effects to your healthcare provider, especially if they stays longer than a week.
Here are examples of some common side effects you may experience:

• Your stools may become loose, watery and more frequent.
• Skin rash and some itching around some of your body parts.
• You may feel you want to vomit and also vomit.
• You may have a stomach upset and your tummy rumbles.

You must stop taking Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid immediately and visit the hospital when;

• You have a severe rash.
• You experience itching around the vagina area.
• When you have difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
• When you breathe with difficulty and with a whistling sound.
• When you experience yellowing of the skin and eyes.

It is important to speak with your health provider about any disease condition before taking this medicine. This will help them assess your risk and prevent serious effects.

1. Inform your doctor if you are on any of the following medications as they may interfere with the action of Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid. Including any of the drugs listed here:

• Clavulanic acid/potassium clavulanate
• Probenecid
• Allopurinol
• Anticoagulants
• Methotrexate
• Other antibiotics

2. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine may put the foetus or breastfeeding child at risk.

3. Inform your healthcare provider if you have ever noticed a rash or swelling when taking medicines that contain penicillin. This will help your health provider check your risk before prescribing the medicine.

4. Caution is always required in patients who have kidney disease.