subject: Amoxicillin And Clavulanate Potassium Description [print this page] Amoxicillin And Clavulanate Potassium Description
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Amoxicillin fights bacteria in the body. Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid, which is similar to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium fights bacteria that is often resistant to penicillins and other antibiotics. The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. The amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium usually is taken every eight hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Doses should be taken at evenly spaced intervals around the clock (e.g., clock distances of 8 hours like 6am, 2pm and 10pm )
How it should be taken:
1. Amoxicillin with clavulanate potassium comes in the form of regular and chewable tablets and oral liquid.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3. This medication may be taken with food or an empty stomach.
4. Shake the oral liquid bottle well before each us to mix the medication evenly. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon from your pharmacist to be sure of an accurate dose.
5. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed.
Special Instruction:
1. Take all of the medication prescribed, even after the infection appears to have gone away. Failure to do so could allow the infection to return.
2. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember and then resume your regular schedule. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time for your next schedule dose, space the missed dose and schedule dose two to three hours apart. Then resume your regular schedule.
Side Effects:
1. If nausea and vomiting persist, take this medication with food.
2. If diarrhea and rashes persist, contact your doctor.
3. Vaginal irritation, itching, shortness of breath and wheezing are seen rarely. Call your doctor or go to a hospital immediately. You may need emergency treatment.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which it was compared to the two components used individually. Because these studies did not compare amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium to a placebo (a solution with no active ingredient), it is difficult to tell whether side effects were actually caused by the medications, the condition being treated, or other problems.
