Augmentin

What is Augmentin

Augmentin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. Augmentin fights bacteria in the body.

Augmentin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

Augmentin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Augmentin

Take all of the Augmentin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.

Augmentin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Augmentin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.

What you should find out before taking Augmentin

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another penicillin or to a cephalosporin, do not take Augmentin without first talking to your doctor.

Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease; or
- mononucleosis.

You may not be able to take Augmentin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

The Augmentin 200 mg chewable tablets contain 2.1 mg phenylalanine; the 400 mg chewable tablets contain 4.2 mg phenylalanine; and 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of either the 200 mg/5 mL or 400 mg/5 mL oral suspensions contain 7 mg phenylalanine. The Augmentin ES-600 suspension contains 7 mg phenylalanine per teaspoon. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.

Augmentin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Augmentin passes into breast milk. Rarely, Augmentin may cause a yeast infection, diarrhea, or allergic reaction in a nursing infant, although no serious harm is expected. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Augmentin

Take Augmentin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take only the medication that has been prescribed for you. Different formulations and/or strengths of Augmentin are not equivalent to one another and should not be used as substitutes.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Augmentin should be taken with a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset.

Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.

Do not crush, chew, or break the Augmentin XR tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

Shake the liquid form of Augmentin well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Augmentin should be taken at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed.

Take all of the Augmentin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an Augmentin overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and kidney problems.

Avoid while taking Augmentin

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Augmentin unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible side effects of Augmentin

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Augmentin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting); or
- diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 3 days.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Augmentin and talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild diarrhea;
- nausea or vomiting;
- rash;
- white patches in the mouth (thrush/yeast infection); or
- vaginal yeast infection or diaper rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Augmentin

Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- allopurinol (Zyloprim);
- probenecid (Benemid); or
- another antibiotic (for the same or for a different infection).

You may not be able to take Augmentin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.