There is a wide variety of drugs about which we must be well informed about their nature, indications and limitations, to ensure their proper administration. A class of medications that are very frequently prescribed today are the penicillin antibiotics, such as Augmentin.
At FastlyHealwe explain what Augmentin is: what it is for, dosage and side effects , as well as the precautions to take into account when taking this antibiotic to make good use of it and not endanger your health.
Table of Contents
What is Augmentine
Augmentin (in other languages: Augmentin ) is a drug that includes within its composition 2 antibiotics from the group of penicillins. These are:
- Amoxicillin: beta-lactam antibiotic (derived from penicillin) that is used very frequently to treat infections, especially bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections (causing bronchitis and pneumonia), ear, throat, skin and urinary tract ( causing cystitis).
- Clavulanic acid: This penicillin-like compound is used against bacteria that tend to generate a little more resistance to amoxicillin and other traditional antibiotics, making them sensitive to amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is always in a much higher proportion than cluvanic acid in any of the doses or presentations of the drug. By combining these two compounds, we found that Augmentin is a powerful antibiotic for killing bacteria both sensitive and resistant to penicillin derivatives.
What is Augmentine for?
This medicine is frequently used for the following infections:
- Respiratory.
- Otitis (ear infection) .
- Sinusitis.
- Cystitis .
- Cellulitis (skin infections).
- Prevention of anthrax infection after exposure to the disease.
- Chlamydia during pregnancy (under medical supervision).
It is very important to remember that Augmentin is used for bacterial infections. In case of viral or parasite infections, there are specialized effective drugs for such cases. Augmentin against such antigens will be practically useless or counterproductive.
Augmentin Recommended Dosages
Augmentin is prescribed for adults, children and babies, and in some very specific cases, pregnant women. There are various presentations and doses in order to adapt to such a variety of users:
- In coated compressed tablets: in presentations of 500/125 mg and 800/175 mg, the first number of the pair referring to the milligrams of amoxicillin, and the second to the amount of clavulanic acid.
- Powder for preparation of oral suspension: presentations of 500/125, 800/175 and 100 / 12.5.
- Pediatric drops of 100 / 12.5 mg dose.
- Solution to prepare injection: 1000/200 mg dose.
- Prolonged-release capsules: 2000/200 mg.
The dosage and doses administered are indicated by the treating physician and these instructions must be followed. Depending on the patient and the disease, they usually prescribe 2 to 3 intakes of the drug per day, in equal time intervals (every 12 or 8 hours, respectively). The number of days is also prescribed and the suspension of treatment is indicated in case of adverse reactions or if the symptoms do not subside after 10 to 15 days.
As for many other medications, it is recommended to administer it just before meals to reduce possible stomach upset, ingesting it with a glass of water in case of using tablets. Oral suspensions and drops are suggested in children under 6 years of age or weighing less than 40 kg.
Augmentin: contraindications, warnings and side effects
Contraindications
This antibiotic should be avoided under the following circumstances:
- Allergy to the components of the drug or any history of hypersensitivity to penicillin and its derivatives.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Lymphoid leukemia.
- Severe liver or kidney failure.
Warnings and cautions
In the following cases, Augmentin could be prescribed with special care, only if the benefits outweigh the possible risks, adding continuous monitoring of the patient.
- Kidney failure or history.
- Liver failure or history.
- Pregnancy: can cause necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn.
- Lactation: both amoxicillin and culvanic acid are secreted in breast milk and, in addition to possible diarrhea in infants, their effects are not precisely known.
- Produces interactions (adverse effects by mixing) with other antibiotics, probenecid, allopurinol, disulfiram and warfarin.
- Possibility of interaction with mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate.
- May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Side effects
- Rashes.
- Seizures
- Allergic reaction to medicine.
- Intestinal inflammation causing possibly bloody diarrhea and tummy pain.
- Fever.
- Angioedema or throat swelling.
- Dizziness and headache
- Vomiting
- Canker sores (candida).
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Augmentin: what it is for, dosage and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.