Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination
penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial
infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It
will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any
antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully
measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a
household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Take this
medication with a meal or snack as directed by the doctor. Depending on
your specific product, this medication is usually taken every 8 or 12
hours.
The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical
condition, and response to treatment.
For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same
time(s) every day.
Continue to take this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell the doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly. Taking
this medication with food will help to reduce stomach
upset.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- unusual tiredness
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur
during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact the doctor if
you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or
other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever that doesn't go away
- new or worsening lymph node swelling
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
Amoxicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanic acid; or to
penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics; or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease (including liver problems caused by previous
use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid)
- kidney disease
- a certain type of viral infection (infectious
mononucleosis)
This medication may contain aspartame. If you have
phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to
limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This product may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as
typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that
you are using this medication before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
diarrhea that doesn't stop, severe vomiting, change in the amount of
urine.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
With long-term treatment, lab and/or medical tests (such
as kidney/liver function, complete blood counts) may be done while you are
taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Refrigerate the suspension. The unused portion of some
brands should be discarded after 7 days. For other brands, the unused
portion should be discarded after 10 days. Check with your pharmacist
regarding your specific brand and how long to store it before discarding.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.