Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, commonly known by the brand name Augmentin, is a combination antibiotic medication used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is a combination of two active ingredients, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is effective against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Haemophilus influenzae. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps prevent the breakdown of amoxicillin by certain bacteria, thus enhancing its effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains.
This combination medication is often prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and dental infections, among others. It is also used for the treatment of complicated infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, but it is important to use this medication only when specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance.
Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is available in tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid form and is typically taken orally. The dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the specific infection being treated. Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the complete eradication of the infection.
