Augmentin

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) is classified as an antibiotic medicine and it exhibits a significantly broad spectrum of action against many types of bacteria which can cause infections. It is produced from a combination of 2 different ingredients. Axmoxicillin is beta lactam antibiotic which is semi-synthetic, and it is effective against a great deal of both gram negative and gram positive bacterial micro organisms.

However, certain types of bacteria which produce beta lactamase enzymes are resistant to it, as they can inactivate amoxicillin. To counter this effect, it is combined with the beta lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid (in the form of potassium clavulanate). It acts on the beta lacatamse enzymes that occur in the micro-organisms which are resistant to treatment by penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics.

This helps prevent the degradation of amoxicillin by resistant bacteria and the result of this is that the spectrum of action is greatly extended to include many microorganisms which would otherwise be resistant to treatment. Indications include infections of the soft tissue or skin, urinary tract infections, bronchitis and other lower respiratory tract infections, ear infections, sinusitis and other bacterial infections.

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) comes as tablets which are swallowed whole together with a glass of water. The dosage will vary according to the patient`s symptoms and medical history. Physicians may tell some adult patients who are being treated for mild to moderate infections to take 1 tablet twice per day. However, complicated urinary tract infections, infections of the lower respiratory tract and other types of infections which are serious may require 1 to 2 tablets administered 3 times per day. The duration of treatment will be decided upon by the physician and in all cases it is necessary to fully comply with the instructions given by your physician.

Inform your physician if you suffer from any side effects while undergoing treatment with Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) for your symptoms. Some examples are listed here:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Itchiness
• Stomach discomfort
• Vaginal or oral thrush

You will need to consult your physician or go to the hospital straight away if you suffer from diarrhea which is severe and contains blood, bruising and bleeding, seizures, abnormal behavior, dark discoloration of urine or any serious adverse events which have not been referenced in this paragraph.

Augmentin (Amoxicillin Trihydrate/Potassium Clavulanate) has been associated with the occurrence of colitis (a condition which causes inflammation of the bowel). Should you suffer from serious or bloody diarrhea during treatment or when treatment has stopped, make sure that you consult your physician as soon as possible.

If you suffer from any impairment of the liver function, your physician will wish to closely monitor you for the entire duration of treatment.