Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the penicillin type.It is effective against different bacteria such as H. influenzae, N.gonorrhea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains ofStaphylococci. Chemically, it is closely related to penicillin andampicillin. Addition of clavulanic acid to amoxicillin in Augmentinenhances the effectiveness of this antibiotic against many other bacteriathat are ordinarily resistant to amoxicillin.

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanicacid, 500 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid, 875 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid. Chewable tablets: 125mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg clavulanic acid, 200 mg amoxicillin and 28.5 mg clavulanic acid, 250 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 gclavulanic acid, 400 mg amoxicillin and 57 mg clavulanic acid. Extended-release tablets of 1000 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 mg clavulanic acid (Augmentin XR). Suspension: 125 mg amoxicillin and 31.25 mg clavulanicacid per 5 ml, 200 mg amoxicillin and 28.5 mg clavulanic acid per 5 ml, 250 mg amoxicillin and 62.5 mg clavulanic acid per5 ml, 400 mg amoxicillin and 57 mg clavulanic acid per 5 ml.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature in atightly closed container. The oral suspension should be stored in therefrigerator in a tightly closed container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Augmentin is effective against susceptiblebacteria causing infections of the middle ear, tonsillitis, throatinfections, laryngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. It is alsoused in treating urinary tract infections, skin infections, and gonorrhea.

DOSING: Augmentin should be taken on a full stomach. No more than onetablet should be taken at a time since the extra clavulanic acid cancause stomach upset.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Augmentin should be avoided by patients withan allergy to penicillin and other related antibiotics. Serious andoccasionally fatal allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported insensitive individuals. Treatment with Augmentin and other antibiotics canalter the normal bacteria flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of C.difficile, a bacteria responsible for pseudomembranous colitis. Patientswho develop pseudomembranous colitis as a result of antibiotic treatmentcan experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes even shock.Co-administration of probenecid, a drug used for treating gout, prevents the normal elimination of amoxicillin by the kidneys and can cause high, toxic blood levels ofamoxicillin. Augmentin can decrease the effectiveness of birth controlpills, resulting in unexpected pregnancies. Augmentin and allopurinol together can cause skin rash.

SIDE EFFECTS: Minor side effects include abdominal discomfort,bloating, diarrhea, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Majorside effects include bloody or prolonged diarrhea, easy bruising orbleeding, reversible hepatitis, rash, swelling, vaginal itching, andyellowing of the eyes or skin. Rash is common when Augmentin and otherampicillin-related antibiotics are given to patients with mononucleosis.