Drug name: Augmentin
Other names used:
- Amiclav®
Active Ingredients:
- Amoxicillin
- Clavulanic acid
Therapeutic effect of Augmentin: Augmentin is an oral antibiotic made of Clavulanic acid and another very effective anti-bacterial substance called Amoxicillin. The anti-biotic Amoxicillin inhibits the growth of cell membrane of the bacteria which prevents its rapid multiplication. The Clavulanic acid present in this drug is a Beta-lactamase inhibitor which prevents the bacteria from acting against Amoxicillin. Augmentin is very effective against bacteria which have developed resistance against Amoxicillin.
Indications: The drug is used for the following:
- This drug is used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria like Klebsiella spp., E.coli, S. aureus which produces Beta-lactamase
- Bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract (UTI)
- Respiratory tract infection caused by M. catarrhalis and H. influenza
- Infections in the genital organs that are caused by bacteria especially after child birth or abortion
- Dental abscesses
- Infection of the ear
- Inflammation of the sinuses caused by M. catarrhalis and H. influenzae
- Are allergic to Augmentin or similar substances
- Are suffering from any type of liver disorder or have a history of liver ailments caused because of Augmentin or similar antibiotics
If you have the following conditions, consult a doctor before taking Augmentin:
- Any type of kidney disorder
- Any time of liver disorder
- Allergy to antibiotics
- If you're Pregnant or breast feeding mother
Measures to be followed while taking Augmentin:
- If you are suffering from any type of Liver disorder or have a history of liver infections then it's very essential for a doctor to monitor the liver while taking this drug.
- Consult a doctor if you have diarrhea while taking this drug.
- It is very important to undergo the full period of treatment and not to discontinue midway.
- It is very essential to consume large quantities of water while taking this drug to prevent the risk of crystal formation in the kidney.
Side effects: The use of this medicinal drug may give rise to some side effects that are contrary to what is expected. It is not certain that these adverse reactions will affect every user of this drug. Some of the potential side effects of Augmentin include the following:
- Allergic reactions
- Uncontrolled shaking of the body
- Cephalalgia
- Dizziness
- Blood diseases
- Swelling and inflammation of the liver
- Icterus (commonly known as Jaundice)
- Yeast infection of the mucus membrane
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Itching
- Rashes
- Dyspepsia
- Diarrhea
The above mentioned side effects are by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.
Interactions: There is a good chance that Augmentin may react with other antibiotics or medicines or substances you are currently using, so before taking this drug it's best to check with your physician or pharmacist or any medical expert or go through the detailed information regarding Augmentin provided by the manufacturer. Below provided are some of the medicines or chemical substance that may react with this drug:
- There is good chance of Augmentin reacting with other antibiotics, so consult a doctor before taking Augmentin
- Uricosuric drug like Benemid that increases uric acid excretion in the urine
- Drugs like Zyloprim that are used to treat hyperuricemia
- Augmentin can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, so it's best to use non hormone contraceptive methods while using antibiotics like Augmentin.
Additional Information: Medicinal substances and equipments should not be used without prior approval of a trained physician and don't share these drugs with anybody else. Augmentin is made for specific conditions and it's not advisable to use for other purposes. Medicines like Augmentin in the hands of small children can be hazardous, so keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.
