Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid

Sounds like 'amox-i-cil-lin' + 'clav-u-lan-ic' acid

Easy-to-read medicine information about amoxicillin + clavulanic acid – what it is, how to take amoxicillin + clavulanic acid safely and possible side effects.

Type of medicine Also called
  • Antibiotic (to treat infections)
  • Penicillin antibiotic
  • Augmentin ®
  • Synermox®
  • Curam®
  • m-Amoxiclav®

What is amoxicillin clavulanic acid?

  • Amoxicillin clavulanic acid is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as sinus infections, chest infections, skin infections, urine infections and joint infections.
  • It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria (bugs) that cause the infection.

Dose

  • The usual dose of amoxicillin clavulanic acid is 625 milligrams 2 or 3 times daily, depending on the type of infection and how severe it is.
  • Your doctor will advise you on how long to take amoxicillin clavulanic acid for (usually 5 to 10 days).

How to take amoxicillin clavulanic acid

  • Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
  • Take amoxicillin clavulanic with or after food. This helps to prevent stomach upset.
  • If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day.
  • But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
  • Keep taking amoxicillin clavulanic acid until you finish all the tablets. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better after a few days.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, amoxicillin clavulanic acid can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often unwanted side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects What should I do?
  • Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
  • Take amoxicillin clavulanic acid after a meal.
  • Diarrhoea (loose, watery stools)
  • These may go away with time.
  • Tell your doctor if troublesome.
  • Vaginal itching, soreness or discharge (thrush)
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
  • Allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, and mouth or difficulty breathing
  • Stop taking amoxicillin clavulanic acid.
  • Tell your doctor immediately or ring HealthLine.

Interactions

  • Amoxicillin clavulanic acid may interact with a few medications and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you are taking the contraceptive pill (birth control pill), it may not be as effective if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting (being sick) which lasts more than 24 hours. If this happens, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about additional contraceptive precautions.   

Learn more

Medsafe Consumer Information Sheet: Augmentin    

New Zealand Formulary Patient Information: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid

Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist. Reviewed By: Dr J Bycroft. Health Navigator NZ Last reviewed: 08 Jan 2015