Augmentin

Who is Augmentin for ?

Augmentin is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, lungs, nose, sinus, skin, and urinary tract. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Augmentin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Augmentin also is used occasionally to treat venereal disease (VD). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic that treats infections caused by certain types bacteria. Amoxicillin destroys the outer cell wall of bacteria, killing the bacteria without harming your body's own cells. Clavulanate is added to further help prevent bacteria from developing resistance to the amoxicillin.

When should I be careful taking Augmentin ?

Before taking Augmentin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, penicillin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, allopurinol (Lopurin), anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), disulfiram, oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems, or hay fever.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amoxicillin and clavulanate.

Augmentin Side Effects

Although side effects from Augmentin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• vaginal infection