Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) is a penicillin antibiotic that is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a particular constituent of a class of drugs called “penicillins”. It is used to treat several kinds of bacterial infections in the body.

Clavulanate potassium, the other component is a variety of clavulanic acid, which is analogous by composition to the penicillin drugs. Clavulanate potassium present in Augmentin is the component that helps in combating bacteria which by nature may be resistant to penicillin or antibiotics or other similar drugs.

Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) is chiefly applied for the purpose of infection control and the healing of a variety of infections caused by bacteria. Certain regular infections treated by Augmentin are pneumonia, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, infections of the urinary tract and skin infections, etc.

While taking Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) patients should always follow the steps mentioned by the doctor in the prescription. Never take the drug in large amounts or over a prolonged period of time without doctor’s recommendation. For successful and immediate infection control it is always favorable to go according to the directions mentioned in the prescription.

If you switch from the tablet form in to some other from like the chewable or to release tablet from extended, always take just the new form of Augmentin or Amoxicillin as the Doctor mentions.

When a patient suffers from weak infection immunity and is prescribed with Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) it is possible that he or she may come across a number of bodily signs which are the results of the side effects. In such a situation the first thing that needs to be done is to inform the doctor. The side effects of Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) may include,

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Unusual thoughts or behavior
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored stool
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Severe blistering
• Low fever
• Diarrhea (watery with traces of blood)
• Pale or yellowed skin
• Dark colored urine
• Confusion or weakness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Skin rash
• Bruising
• Severe tingling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Muscle weakness
• Peeling
• Red skin rash

Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) intake may cause a diarrhea infection. So if the patient already has atendency of stomach infection it is better not to take Augmentin. The patient should also not use any kind of medication to impede diarrhea if not the doctor suggests so.

Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) also shows an inclination to react with drugs like allopurinol (Zyloprim); probenecid (Benemid); and some other antibiotics. So better keep that in mind.

Frequently Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) may result into faulty medical test results like urine glucose tests. So make it a point to inform the doctor if using Augmentin.

Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) is chiefly applied for the purpose of infection control and the healing of a variety of infections caused by bacteria. Certain regular infections treated by Augmentin are pneumonia, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, infections of the urinary tract and skin infections, etc.

Always store the Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) tablets at room temperature without nay contact with heat or moisture. If using the liquid form store it in the refrigerator. Discard any fallowed liquid after 10 days.

Do not use Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate) if you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanate potassium. Avoid the drug if you have a tendency of liver infection. If there are chances of an allergy from a penicillin antibiotic, completely avoid Augmentin.

Though there is no medical proof that Augemntin harms an unborn baby or is harmful in pregnancy and there are no reports of infections during pregnancy as well. However, in case the doctor prescribes Augmentin you better inform him about your pregnancy or your plan to be pregnant any time soon to avoid unknown infections during pregnancy. Augmentin may also lessen the result of birth control pills.